Salutary Neglect policy

Definition

Salutary Neglect was a British colonial policy during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, where the British government intentionally avoided strict enforcement of parliamentary laws in the American colonies. This hands-off approach allowed the colonies to develop their own economic and political systems, fostering a sense of autonomy that would later influence revolutionary sentiments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Salutary Neglect allowed the colonies to flourish economically, as they engaged in trade and developed industries without heavy interference from Britain.
2. The policy contributed to the emergence of colonial political institutions, as colonists gained experience in self-governance and local decision-making.
3. As the French and Indian War concluded, Britain shifted away from Salutary Neglect, leading to increased regulations and taxes that sparked colonial discontent.
4. The term reflects a key moment in the relationship between Britain and its American colonies, highlighting the tension between control and autonomy.
5. Colonial leaders, influenced by Salutary Neglect, began to see themselves as independent from British rule, setting the stage for revolutionary ideas.

Review Questions

• How did the policy of Salutary Neglect influence the economic development of the American colonies?
  • Salutary Neglect had a significant impact on the economic development of the American colonies by allowing them to engage in trade and cultivate industries with minimal restrictions. This hands-off approach enabled colonists to explore various markets and resources, which ultimately led to economic growth. The freedom to manage their own economies fostered a sense of independence that would later contribute to their desire for self-governance.
• What were the consequences of Britain ending its Salutary Neglect policy after the French and Indian War?
  • The end of Salutary Neglect after the French and Indian War resulted in stricter enforcement of laws and increased taxation on the American colonies. Measures such as the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts were met with strong resistance, as colonists felt betrayed by the sudden loss of autonomy. This shift ignited tensions between Britain and its colonies, ultimately leading to protests and movements for independence.
• Evaluate how Salutary Neglect set a precedent for colonial attitudes toward governance that influenced revolutionary thought in America.
  • Salutary Neglect established a precedent for colonial attitudes towards governance by promoting self-reliance and local decision-making among the colonies. This experience fostered a belief in individual rights and liberties that clashed with Britain's attempts at control after the French and Indian War. As colonists began to view themselves as independent entities with their own political identities, revolutionary thought gained momentum, ultimately leading to calls for independence and the formation of a new nation.

Related terms

Navigation Acts:

Laws enacted by the British Parliament to regulate colonial trade and enable England to collect taxes from the colonies.

Colonial Autonomy: The degree of self-governance that the American colonies experienced, allowing them to establish their own legislatures and local governments.

French and Indian War:

A conflict between Britain and France in North America from 1754 to 1763, which ultimately led to increased British taxation and tighter control over the colonies.