5 Ways Salutary Neglect

The concept of Salutary Neglect, a term coined by historian Edmund Morgan, refers to the period of British rule over the American colonies from approximately 1680 to 1763, during which the British government largely neglected to enforce its laws and regulations in the colonies. This era of relative autonomy allowed the colonies to develop their own systems of government, economy, and culture, laying the groundwork for the eventual American Revolution. Here, we'll explore five key ways in which Salutary Neglect contributed to the growth and development of the American colonies.

Establishment of Colonial Autonomy

One of the primary effects of Salutary Neglect was the establishment of colonial autonomy. With the British government distracted by its own internal conflicts and wars with other European powers, the colonies were left to govern themselves, developing their own systems of law, taxation, and administration. This autonomy allowed the colonies to experiment with different forms of government, such as the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s system of town meetings and representative assemblies. As historian John Ferling notes, “The colonists were able to develop a sense of self-governance and independence that would eventually contribute to the American Revolution.” The development of these systems of government laid the foundation for the democratic institutions that would eventually characterize the United States.

Development of a Colonial Economy

Salutary Neglect also allowed the colonies to develop their own economies, largely free from British interference. The colonies established trade relationships with other European powers, such as France and the Netherlands, and developed their own industries, such as shipbuilding and textiles. The growth of these industries helped to stimulate economic growth in the colonies, creating new opportunities for colonists and laying the groundwork for the eventual development of a national economy. According to economic historian Nuala Zahedieh, “The colonial economy was characterized by a high degree of diversification and adaptability, which allowed it to thrive in the absence of direct British control.” This economic growth, in turn, helped to fuel the growth of cities, such as Boston and Philadelphia, which became centers of commerce, culture, and learning.

Growth of Colonial Culture

Salutary Neglect also had a profound impact on the development of colonial culture. With the British government largely absent, the colonies were able to develop their own unique cultural institutions, such as schools, churches, and newspapers. The growth of these institutions helped to create a sense of shared identity and community among colonists, laying the groundwork for the eventual development of a national culture. As cultural historian Gordon Wood notes, “The colonists were able to develop a sense of themselves as a distinct people, with their own values, beliefs, and practices.” This sense of shared identity would eventually contribute to the growth of patriotism and nationalism in the colonies, paving the way for the American Revolution.

Development of Colonial Politics

Salutary Neglect also allowed the colonies to develop their own systems of politics, including the growth of representative assemblies and the development of political parties. The colonies experimented with different forms of government, such as the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1701, which established a unicameral legislature and a system of proportional representation. The growth of these political institutions helped to create a sense of civic engagement and participation among colonists, laying the groundwork for the eventual development of democratic institutions in the United States. According to political historian Jack Rakove, “The colonists were able to develop a sense of themselves as active participants in the political process, rather than simply subjects of the British crown.” This sense of civic engagement would eventually contribute to the growth of political activism and dissent in the colonies, paving the way for the American Revolution.

Implications of Salutary Neglect

The period of Salutary Neglect had a profound impact on the development of the American colonies, laying the groundwork for the eventual American Revolution. The growth of colonial autonomy, economy, culture, and politics helped to create a sense of shared identity and community among colonists, as well as a sense of civic engagement and participation. As the British government began to reassert its authority over the colonies in the mid-18th century, the colonists were increasingly resistant to British rule, paving the way for the outbreak of the American Revolution in 1775. According to historian Bernard Bailyn, “The period of Salutary Neglect was a critical moment in the development of the American colonies, laying the groundwork for the eventual creation of a new nation.” The legacy of Salutary Neglect can still be seen today, in the democratic institutions, economic systems, and cultural practices of the United States.