the Regents' dislike of the social "leveling" they sensed in the Revolution was stronger.
In "The First Salute: A View of the American Revolution," Barbara W. Tuchman explores the reactions of the American colonial elite, particularly the Regents, to the societal changes brought about by the Revolution. The Regents were uncomfortable with the leveling effects of the Revolution, which they believed undermined traditional hierarchies and social structures that had historically governed society.
This aversion to perceived social equality highlights a significant tension during the revolutionary period, as the ideals of liberty and equality clashed with the established social order. Tuchman's analysis reveals that, for some, the Revolutionary changes represented not just a fight for independence but also a challenge to their own social standing and authority.