The Augustan Age of Empire (First Turning, 1704–1727) witnessed the first confident flowering of provincial civilization—with booming trade, rising living standards, recognizable (northern) urban centers, and massive (southern) imports of African slaves. Lauding social discipline, Americans took pride in the growing might of Britain’s empire. Socially, this was the periwigged apogee of colonial politesse; culturally, it was an age of credentials, wit, and Royal Society rationalism.

• Cavaliers entering elderhood
• Glorious entering midlife
• Enlighteners entering young adulthood
• Awakeners entering childhood