Salutary Neglect: The Policy that Shaped America’s Self-Governance and Economic Freedom

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 was a British policy toward its colonies in America during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was characterized by the British government’s decision to loosen its control over the American colonies while still maintaining their economic and political allegiance to the empire. In this policy, the British government essentially ignored enforcing many of its laws on the colonies, allowed them to govern themselves, and provided a measure of economic freedom.

One of the significant advantages of the salutary neglect policy was to allow the colonies some measure of self-governance. This means that the colonists could create their own laws, courts, and governments. Salutary neglect provided the American colonists with an opportunity to develop and grow. This policy allowed for the development of a unique culture and tradition, which laid the foundation for what would eventually become the United States of America.

However, the salutary neglect policy was not without its faults. This policy led to increased corruption among colonial officials, smuggling, and the rise of a colonial economic elite. The British government equally lost some of their control over the colonies, and they were forced to compete with other European empires for access to American resources.

Overall, salutary neglect played an essential role in shaping the American colonies and ultimately, the United States of America. The policy allowed the colonists to develop their own identity while providing the necessary economic support for the British Empire. While this policy had its pros and cons, it remains a significant factor in the history of America.

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