But, when it became known that the wealth of Mexico, Peru, and India, might be shared by any one who had enterprise and courage, the motives that had animated the restless populations of Europe suddenly changed.

The story of Cortez and Pizarro found enthusiastic listeners everywhere.

Maritime adventure supplanted religious enthusiasm.
If we attempt to isolate the principle that lay at the basis of the wonderful social changes that now took place, we may recognize it without difficulty.

Heretofore each man had dedicated his services to his superior--feudal or ecclesiastical; now he had resolved to gather the fruits of his exertions himself.

Individualism was becoming predominant, loyalty was declining into a sentiment.