This is an example of the power of status on conformity.
Explanation:
Conformity can be described as the change in beliefs or behaviors that occurs when there is real or imagined social pressure. According to the passage in the question, if a person is well dressed and does not jaywalk (cross the street where it is not allowed), other people tend to follow their example. Researches have found that people from higher social status tend to not be influenced, while people from intermediate social status are more prone to conform.
The European nations supported the colonists instead of the British because they were enemies of Britain themselves. They believed and agreed that Britain was becoming too powerful.