Salutary Neglect was an unofficial British policy in the 17th and 18th centuries where the British government loosely enforced or largely ignored trade regulations and laws in its North American colonies. This lenient approach allowed the American colonies considerable freedom in economic activities and self-governance, fostering their growth, prosperity, and political independence. The policy aimed to keep colonial loyalty by minimizing interference, but it ended after the French and Indian War when Britain began enforcing stricter trade regulations and taxes, contributing to tensions that led to the American Revolution.
"Neglect" in this context refers to the deliberate lax enforcement or ignoring of laws, specifically those related to trade and governance, by the British government towards the colonies during that period. Would more detailed definitions or historical context on either term be needed?
