THE ERA OF “SALUTARY NEGLECT”

British politics during the reigns of George I (1714-1727) and George II (1727-1760) helped to foster a desire for more self-government in the American colonies. During this period of “salutary neglect” British policies were most concerned with defending British territory at home and abroad and strengthening the British economy and trade. Strict control of political affairs in the colonies was not a priority in this era. Many officials appointed to positions in the Americas during this era were appointed because of political connections and not because of political skill. British politics during this era weakened the British political hold in the Americas.

The British did impose policies in this era that increased their economic control over the American colonies. Under the terms of the Navigation Acts, all “finished products” owned by colonists had to be made in Great Britain. English officials passed additional regulations prohibiting the colonists from producing their own textiles (1699), hats (1732), and iron products (1750). However, the Navigation Acts allowed the colonies to own ships and to transport goods made in the colonies. Colonial ships carried on a lively trade with the French West Indies, importing sugar from there instead of from British colonies producing sugar in the Caribbean. In 1733 Parliament enacted the Molasses Act, which tightened British control over colonial trade. By 1750 Charles Townshend and others on the British Board of Trade were convinced that the colonies had far too much economic freedom, and they were determined to bring the era of salutary neglect to an end.