The culmination of all we have seen in Mormon’s authorial process is highlighted in this verse. In the previous verse we have the summation of an ideal time. The Savior had come to them, and his influence engendered peace and prosperity for two hundred years – precisely. Of course it was not two hundred years from the arrival, but the two hundred year marker – something as significant as our passing century marks.
Right after that, in the two hundred and first year, suddenly there “began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world.” Of course this wasn’t sudden. No one in that society thought that after the turning of this particular year they would decide to wear different clothing. They did not simply decide that after many years, just now they would pay attention to “costly apparel.” This was a long process, and the “costly apparel” has been Mormon’s code for influence from the economic value systems of surrounding cultures; it has also been accompanied by a social hierarchy. Thus in the two hundred and first year, we have costly apparel. Then comes the rest of the invasive cultural package that has plagued the Nephite culture from the beginning.
Historical: From a purely historical perspective, it is possible, although unlikely, that the nature of Nephite society began to change only in the two hundred and first year, with a rapid decline in the next seventy or eighty years where there had been stability for two hundred years prior to that point. It is more likely that this particular part of Mormon’s narrative is a construction of the author rather than a faithful record of events. When we examine the archaeology of the area, it is unlikely that we will see the kinds of changes that Mormon is describing, because Mormon is describing an ideal more than a reality.
It is quite probable, however, that there was some reality associated with Mormon’s narrative. He would not have written his text by ignoring history, only by molding it. Thus we could expect that in the particular region occupied by the Nephites there would have been peace and little conflict internally or externally. This is certainly possible as that time period saw a more rapid increase in population and importance in centers outside of the Grijalva river basin. After the destruction at the time of Christ’s death, the area would have to have been rebuilt, and it is possible that it simply was not wealthy enough to be a tempting target to the other locations that were more important during this time period. Mormon’s history is not incorrect, it is simply formed into a shape that fits Mormon’s theological interests rather than any antiquarian interests.