Examines colonial society and the transformations in colonial life that resulted from the republican tendencies brought to the surface by the Revolution.

Originally published: New York : A.A. Knopf, 1992.

pt. I. Monarchy. Hierarchy ; Patricians and plebeians ; Patriarchal dependence ; Patronage ; Political authority -- pt. II. Republicanism. Republicanization of monarchy ; Truncated society ; Loosening the bands of society ; Enlightened paternalism ; Revolution ; Enlightenment ; Benevolence -- pt. III. Democracy. Equality ; Interests ; Assault on aristocracy ; Democratic officeholding ; World within themselves ; Celebration of commerce -- Middle-class order.