Salutary Neglect -> 1763 Britain’s unofficial policy toward the colonies regarding trade
In the colonies… Established with minimal royal control by proprietors and companies Local legislative assemblies made laws & passed taxes “with the consent of the freemen” Distance from GB & the American character of rugged individualism
Meanwhile, back in merry ol’ England The monarchy was distracted by Civil War, (King vs. Parliament) Religious Upheaval Glorious Revolution (1688) …English Bill of Rights (limited King’s power)
After the French & Indian War: Britain turns her attention toward the colonies: –Proclamation of 1763: to avoid conflict with Indians, the King told Americans to stay east of the Appalachian Mts. –Pay off war debt: Britain would begin enforcing the Navigation Acts (remember mercantilism? Colonies exist to BENEFIT MAMA!!
Navigation Acts Colonies could only ship certain enumerated (listed) items to GB/British colonies and those items were heavily taxed Colonies could only buy manufactured goods from GB Colonies could not manufacture goods in competition with G.B.
Enforcement of trade laws -> Alienated colonists, used to being left alone Increased smuggling A willingness to break away from Mother England