The American Revolution was the culmination of a contest between two factions of wealthy colonists, expansionists & non-expansionists. The first were convinced that the colonies had the "spiritual & physical resources to become a self-reliant, mighty New World empire"; the latter were "citizens of little faith." Tho concentrating on elites, Egnal does not neglect the common people. He focuses on Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia & S. Carolina, delineating factional composition & activity from the period of imperial wars thru the adoption of the Constitution. A challenging new interpretation, well written & solidly supported. Highly recommended for academic libraries. Roy H. Tryon, Delaware State Archives, Dover
Maps & Figures
Preface
Note on Definitions
Abbreviations Used in Notes
Introduction
Massachusetts to 1741: three parties were formed
Massachusetts, 1741-1762: coalition politics
New York: traders & warriors
Pennsylvania: Quaker party ascendancy
Virginia: rise of the northern neckers
South Carolina: factions times two
The depression of the 1760s
Massachusetts: patriot alliance
New York: reluctant revolutionaries
Pennsylvania: challenging the Quaker party
Virginia: conflict & cooperation
South Carolina: triumphant patriots
The quiet years
Northern colonies: antagonists high & low
Southern colonies: maintaining control
Beyond independence
Appendix
Index