Salutary Neglect

Throughout American history, societies have developed, grown, and evolved. Aspects of society, such as culture, religion, politics, and the economy were major factors in early societal development and these influences varied depending on the time period and geographical location. Slavery has been a central aspect of Spanish, French, and English societies since their early development and the institution of slavery in America lasted until its abolishment in 1865. Thus, as societies evolve, the practices, beliefs, and lifestyles become rooted in the populace of the period. Due to decades and centuries of economic and cultural development, lifestyle and societal practices are difficult to alter. Therefore, the period of salutary neglect coupled

89). During this time, the concept of American self-government rose to fruition and Royal bureaucrats exercised lax supervision over internal colonial affairs as they reaped the benefits of increasing trade and import duties (Henretta and Edwards, 2012, p. 89). In time, this concept and strategy would become known as salutary neglect (Henretta and Edwards, 2012, p. 89). Salutary neglect was a result of Sir Robert Walpole’s political system, which filled the British government with lazy political leadership; and whose strategies ultimately weakened the British Empire by undermining the legitimacy of the political system (Henretta and Edwards, 2012, p. 90). As a result, Walpole’s actions would inadvertently pave the way for an American revolution aimed at preserving American liberty (Henretta and Edwards, 2012, p. 90). Additionally, taxation and increased conflict would further compound the problem and fuel further acts of colonial

92). However, American colonists reacted by finding ways around these policies or blatantly disregarding their enforcement. The Navigation Acts were negated through a loophole that allowed Americans to transport goods through privately owned ships (Henretta and Edwards, 2012, p. 93). Additionally, Americans sold produce to the French sugar islands, forcing British products off the European market (Henretta and Edwards, 2012, p. 93). Britain responded to the colonist’s attempts to avoid taxes by implementing further tariffs. A subsequent policy, known as the Molasses Act of 1733 sought to give British sugar planters a price advantage through additional taxes on the product (Henretta and Edwards, 2012, p. 93). Fearing a crippling of the distilling industry and reductions in farm exports and colonial income; colonists again reacted by smuggling French molasses and offering bribes to customs officials (Henretta and Edwards, 2012, p. 93). Relations between the American colonies and the British Empire were further strained as colonial currency declined, degradation of the colonial economy ensued, and