First published in 1971 and long out of print, this classic account of Colonial-era New York chronicles how the state was buffeted by political and sectional rivalries and by conflict arising from a wide diversity of ethnic and religious identities.

I. Some Problems in Colonial New York History1. Carl Becker's View of Colonial New York2. The New York "Aristocracy": A Problem of Definition3. Political Factionalism: A "Divided" and "Contentious" People4. "As the twig is bent..."5. "Who should rule at home?"II. Settlement and Expansion1. "A mixture of Nations"2. Local Government: A Random Growth3. The "City-State" of Albany4. The "Albany Spirit"III. Economic Interests and Political Contentions1. The Merchant Interest2. The Landed Interest3. The Backdrop: The Leislerian Upheaval-Fiscal Policies4. Politics and Governor Hunter: 1710-17195. Politics and Governor Burnet: 1720-17276. Shifting Patterns: 1728-1731IV. The Morris-Cosby Dispute: A Political and Constitutional Crisis1. The Resurgence of Parties: Governor Cosby and the Van Dam Affair2. A Twofold Strategy: The Founding of Zenger's New-York Weekly Journal; the WestchesterElection of 17333. A Flanking Maneuver: Lewis Morris in London; Petitions in New York4. A Crisis of Identity in the MakingV. James DeLancey, Anglo-American: The Politics of New York at Mid-Century1. Building an Anglo-American "Interest"2. James DeLancey versus Governor George Clinton3. Governor Clinton Builds a Party: 1748-17524. Henry Beekman and the Politics of Dutchess County5. James DeLancey Becomes Acting Governor of New YorkVI. New York's Land System: Problems and Opportunities1. Problems of Interpretation and Definition2. Legal and Economic Aspects of the Great Patents3. A Favorable View of Tenancy4. The Causes of Agrarian Unrest5. A "Drove of Banditt Rovers"6. The Riots of 17667. Some ConsiderationsVII. Politics, The "Universal Topick": 1765-1770I. The Parties Take Shape2. On Party Labels3. The Election of 17684. Party Conflicts in the Assembly: 17685. The Election of 17696. Assembly Maneuvers: 17697. Alexander McDougall and "the grand Cause of America"VIII. Ideology and Politics: A Concluding NoteAppendix A: GenealogiesAppendix B: English Governors of New YorkAppendix C: Representatives in the Colonial AssemblyAppendix D: Council of the Colony of New YorkBibliographyIndex