"It would also explain the American prejudices against the British."
I didn't generalize to that degree, but you are right in many respects. Negative stereotypes about the UK do seem to reflect working class views of the middle class and aristocracy or, more correctly, the views that might have prevailed 200 years ago. The stereotyped Englishman of American lore is really a caricature of a middle class pretender, circa 1800.
Don't forget that there is also a very heavy and persistent dose of Irish influence in American views of the UK.
In any case, these prejudices are relics from a deservedly vanished world.
'Don't forget that there is also a very heavy and persistent dose of Irish influence in American views of the UK.'
It always intrigues me that some Irish-Americans harbour negative feelings about Britain that are virtually non-existant in Ireland itself!
'In any case, these prejudices are relics from a deservedly vanished world.'
A fine and honourable sentiment which would be hard to believe if one read this forum too frequently! ;-)