Government and Social Class in Colonial America covers the time period of 1620 through 1776 and examines social rank in British America, the development of Colonial government, the impact of Nathaniel Bacon’s rebellion, the changing social status of blacks, the impact of the Enlightenment, and the growing disputes with the Mother Country that led to the American Revolution.

Of particular interest is the discussion of the changing social status of white indentured servants, as well as black servants, who before stricter laws were enacted, were able to earn their freedom alongside the white servants. Also discussed were the unsuccessful attempts by colonists to enslave Native Americans.

The restrictions upon, and discrimination against, women is examined. Details of rules on clothing and housing styles, based on social class, are outlined.

This book is filled with interesting and relatively easy to read historical information, and does not gloss over or minimize the suffering of the lower classes, the Native Americans, or the black slaves.

There are numerous pictures, a time line, index, and an extensive bibliography by chapter.