The term "salutary neglect" refers to the English policy of interfering very little in colonial affairs from about 1690 to 1760. During these years the colonists were given a good deal of autonomy in local matters, and the English king and parliament rarely legislated constraints of any kind. In turn, the colonists supported England. At the end of the Seven Year's War, England began to assert more control over the American colonists, levying taxes and trade regulations, to the objection of the colonists.

Last updated: September 28, 2006.

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