num_pages: 412
description: The American Revolution was the culmination of a contest between two factions of wealthy colonists, expansionists &amp; non-expansionists. The first were convinced that the colonies had the "spiritual &amp; 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 &amp; S. Carolina, delineating factional composition &amp; activity from the period of imperial wars thru the adoption of the Constitution. A challenging new interpretation, well written &amp; solidly supported. Highly recommended for academic libraries. Roy H. Tryon, Delaware State Archives, DoverMaps &amp; FiguresPrefaceNote on DefinitionsAbbreviations Used in NotesIntroductionMassachusetts to 1741: three parties were formed Massachusetts, 1741-1762: coalition politics New York: traders &amp; warriors Pennsylvania: Quaker party ascendancy Virginia: rise of the northern neckersSouth Carolina: factions times two The depression of the 1760s Massachusetts: patriot allianceNew York: reluctant revolutionariesPennsylvania: challenging the Quaker partyVirginia: conflict &amp; cooperation South Carolina: triumphant patriotsThe quiet years Northern colonies: antagonists high &amp; lowSouthern colonies: maintaining control Beyond independenceAppendixIndex
language: English
title: A Mighty Empire: The Origins of the American Revolution
titlecomplete: A Mighty Empire: The Origins of the American Revolution
ratings_count: 7
publisher: Cornell University Press (Ithaca/London)