Salutary neglect facts for kids

Salutary neglect was a special way the British government treated its colonies in America. From the late 1600s to 1763, Britain mostly avoided strictly enforcing its laws, especially those about trade. This policy worked as long as the colonies stayed loyal and helped Britain's economy.

This approach allowed the American colonies to grow and manage many of their own affairs. However, after 1763, Britain started to enforce rules much more strictly. This change eventually led to the American Revolutionary War.

What Was Salutary Neglect?

For a long time, the American colonies had a lot of freedom. Britain was busy with its own issues and wars in Europe. This meant they didn't pay close attention to what was happening across the Atlantic.

This "hands-off" approach wasn't always planned. Sometimes, it was just because British officials were busy or not very good at their jobs. But it also became a conscious policy, especially under leaders like Robert Walpole.

How Did This Policy Start?

In the late 1600s, Britain tried to control the colonies more tightly. They created the Dominion of New England to enforce trade laws called the Navigation Acts. But this plan was very unpopular. The governor, Edmund Andros, was disliked.

After the Glorious Revolution in England in 1688, colonists in Boston revolted in 1689. They removed Andros, and the colonies went back to managing themselves.

Later, in 1721, Robert Walpole became a powerful leader in Britain. He believed that if the colonies were left alone, they would become richer. He thought this would benefit Britain more in the long run. He famously said, "if no restrictions were placed on the colonies, they would flourish."

Walpole didn't enforce the Navigation Acts. These laws said that goods traded between Britain and its colonies had to be carried on English ships. This was part of a bigger economic idea called mercantilism. Mercantilism meant a country tried to get as much wealth as possible, often by controlling trade.

Where Did the Name Come From?

The term "salutary neglect" wasn't used until 1775. Edmund Burke, a British politician, used it in a speech. He praised how the American colonies had grown so much. He said it was "through a wise and salutary neglect" that they achieved great success.

Burke meant that this neglect was "salutary," or beneficial. It helped the colonies become strong and prosperous.

How Did Salutary Neglect Affect the Colonies?

This policy had a big impact on the American colonies.

• More Money for Everyone: The lack of strict trade rules meant American merchants could trade with anyone. They often traded illegally with French islands in the Caribbean. This made American merchants rich. In turn, they bought more British goods, which helped Britain's economy too.
• Growing Independence: Because Britain wasn't watching closely, the colonies became very self-sufficient. They learned to handle their own problems. Colonial assemblies, which were like local governments, gained a lot of power. They controlled the money, which gave them influence over the governors sent by the King.
• Weak British Authority: British officials sent to the colonies often weren't very effective. Walpole sometimes gave these jobs to his friends or political allies. This meant the King's authority in America was weaker than it should have been.

Why Did Salutary Neglect End?

The policy of salutary neglect largely ended in 1763. This change happened after the Seven Years' War.

The Cost of War

Britain won the Seven Years' War. They gained a lot of new land in North America from France, as agreed in the Treaty of Paris. But the war was very expensive. Britain had built up huge debts.

To help pay off these debts, Britain decided the colonies should contribute more. They also wanted to send troops to America to protect the new territories.

New Taxes and Rules

Prime Minister George Grenville introduced new taxes and stricter rules. These were meant to increase Britain's authority and get more money from the colonies. Some of these new laws included:

• The Sugar Act of 1764: This law taxed sugar and molasses imported into the colonies.
• The Currency Act of 1764: This law limited the use of colonial paper money.
• The Stamp Act 1765: This law required colonists to pay a tax on printed materials like newspapers and legal documents.

These new laws were very unpopular in the colonies. They led to protests and riots, like the Stamp Act riots in 1765. Later, events like the Boston Massacre in 1770 showed how angry the colonists were. These new taxes and other laws, like the Intolerable Acts, were major reasons that led to the start of the American Revolutionary War.

Was It Intentional or Accidental?

Historians still debate whether "salutary neglect" was a planned policy or just happened by accident. Some argue it was a conscious choice by British leaders like Walpole. They believed it would help Britain in the long run.

Others say it was more due to Britain's own problems. They point to issues like administrative inefficiency or a lack of money to enforce laws. For example, the Board of Trade, which was supposed to enforce trade laws, was often too weak to do so effectively.

Regardless of why it happened, the effects of salutary neglect were clear. It allowed the American colonies to grow strong and independent. When Britain tried to take back control, it sparked a revolution.