The birth of America as a nation was a revolution of thought about the nature of freedom and mankind’s right to choose our own destiny. The onset of the Glorious Revolution, the imperial wars, the Navigation Acts, Salutary Neglect, and people such as John Locke influencing many colonists in America began an era that would contour the path towards revolution. One of the single most important developments in England to affect the self-identity of the colonists was the Glorious Revolution. This event was earth-shattering as the colonists had suffered under James II just as profoundly as the English due to James’ refusal to recognize colonial charters or allow colonists any say over laws or taxes. Colonists saw the applicability of the Glorious Revolution to their situation, and began a series of revolts in 1689. And while these revolts forced the king's government to hand power back to the colonists, the English did not see the connection between their revolution and the American revolts at the time. This was a grave mistake for the English; for an important turning point had been reached as the principle of independence became the cry of Americans throughout the eighteenth century.
Imperial wars were the next major event to transform North America in the 18th century. Prior to 1689, American affairs were relatively disconnected to those of Europe, but the wars of the eighteenth century had spilled over into the colonies. These wars helped to solidify Britain's empire, but lead to problems that contributed to unhappiness with the crown. These problems provided much of the motivation to revolutionize for many colonial societies. These class and regional conflicts molded the Revolution as well, playing a major part in determining who became a Patriot and who remained a Loyalist. In discussing England's colonial policy during the period of Navigation Acts, one thing is especially important to note: the system thought only of the mother country. The aim of Great Britain was to export goods to America, to import raw materials, and at the same time to keep the balance of trade in her own favor. And while this process was usually one of success, ultimately, it proved hurtful to the British’s interests due to the policy’s alienation of the colonists, little by little. This separation slowly prepared colonists for the final break with their mother country. During the years of British non-interference, the colonial population grew and the colonies began to thrive on their own despite their mother country’s beliefs. Americans had developed their own aristocracy and economic systems and as a result, were slowly developing a self-identity as Americans. And with that title, came colonists fiercely protective of their God-given right to freedom. English non-interference with certain matters has come to be known as “salutary neglect” and is best explained with Robert Walpole’s quote, “Let sleeping dogs lie.” Salutary neglect was a major reason for the protestations against English attempts to develop a policy …show more content…
The colonists had gotten a small taste of freedom and they begin to realize how little they truly need Parliament. These colonists’ ideas and dreams of independence due to salutary neglect was something the Parliament should have foreseen- and feared. Walpole’s sleeping dogs had awoken; and now fully knew what America was capable
Imperial wars were the next major event to transform North America in the 18th century. Prior to 1689, American affairs were relatively disconnected to those of Europe, but the wars of the eighteenth century had spilled over into the colonies. These wars helped to solidify Britain's empire, but lead to problems that contributed to unhappiness with the crown. These problems provided much of the motivation to revolutionize for many colonial societies. These class and regional conflicts molded the Revolution as well, playing a major part in determining who became a Patriot and who remained a Loyalist. In discussing England's colonial policy during the period of Navigation Acts, one thing is especially important to note: the system thought only of the mother country. The aim of Great Britain was to export goods to America, to import raw materials, and at the same time to keep the balance of trade in her own favor. And while this process was usually one of success, ultimately, it proved hurtful to the British’s interests due to the policy’s alienation of the colonists, little by little. This separation slowly prepared colonists for the final break with their mother country. During the years of British non-interference, the colonial population grew and the colonies began to thrive on their own despite their mother country’s beliefs. Americans had developed their own aristocracy and economic systems and as a result, were slowly developing a self-identity as Americans. And with that title, came colonists fiercely protective of their God-given right to freedom. English non-interference with certain matters has come to be known as “salutary neglect” and is best explained with Robert Walpole’s quote, “Let sleeping dogs lie.” Salutary neglect was a major reason for the protestations against English attempts to develop a policy …show more content…
The colonists had gotten a small taste of freedom and they begin to realize how little they truly need Parliament. These colonists’ ideas and dreams of independence due to salutary neglect was something the Parliament should have foreseen- and feared. Walpole’s sleeping dogs had awoken; and now fully knew what America was capable