Salutary Neglect: The British Policy that Led to the Emergence of American Democracy

Salutary Neglect

Refers to the British policy of avoiding strict enforcement of trade laws meant to keep American colonies obedient to England. England will eventually abandon this after the French and Indian War, which upset the colonists.

Salutary Neglect refers to the British policy of the early 18th century that allowed the American colonies a relatively high degree of autonomy in their governance and economy. The policy emerged due to a combination of factors, including the distance between Great Britain and the colonies, the expense of administering and controlling the colonies, and the perceived benefits of a prosperous and loyal colonial economy.

During this period, the British government did not actively enforce many of its laws and regulations in the colonies. As a result, the colonies were able to develop a unique identity and a sense of independence from their British rulers. This policy allowed for the growth of colonial institutions such as colonial assemblies and courts, as well as the development of a colonial economy based on trade and agriculture.

The period of Salutary Neglect came to an end in the 1760s, when the British government began to exert greater control over the colonies through a series of laws, including the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, and the Townshend Acts. These laws sparked resistance and ultimately led to the American Revolution.

Overall, Salutary Neglect was a significant turning point in the history of the American colonies, as it allowed for the development of institutions and ideas that would later form the basis of American democracy.

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