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POLI 101: U.S. Government. Dr. Kevin Lasher. Colonial Period (1607-1776). Colonial Period (1607-1776). Virginia in 1607; Georgia in 1732 Colonies “belonged” to British empire 85% of free settlers from Great Britain (England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales). Colonial Governments.
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POLI 101: U.S. Government Dr. Kevin Lasher
Colonial Period (1607-1776) • Virginia in 1607; Georgia in 1732 • Colonies “belonged” to British empire • 85% of free settlers from Great Britain (England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales)
Colonial Governments • Governor appointed by British King • Judges appointed by British King • Legislatures elected by 20-40% of white, male citizens; legislatures had good deal of power
Colonial Governments • Colonial governments (legislatures) had good deal of “freedom” from British home rule • Salutary neglect
British Mercantilism • Great Britain would control trade between itself and colonies • Colonial economy should “serve” the Mother Country • Incomplete mercantilism during period of salutary neglect
American Character • British colonists were becoming Americans (a long process) • Freedom, social mobility, small farmers, early republicanism • Still thirteen “mini-countries” in 1775
Period of “Salutary Neglect” • 1650 (?) - 1763 • Mother country Great Britain did not have as much as control over its American colonies as it would have preferred • Civil war at home, war in Europe, distance, economic benefits • Partly intentional policy
Period of “Salutary Neglect” • American colonies (especially governing elites) had a good deal of freedom during this formative period • American colonists “liked” this arrangement very much; did not want it to end
End of “Salutary Neglect” in 1763 • End of French-Indian War (1763) in North America • Rising British costs of protecting colonies • Mother country should exercise “control”
End of “Salutary Neglect” • Series of taxes imposed to raise money for administration of colonies • Enforce mercantilism • Curtail “freedom” of colonies
Period of Growing Tension • 1763-1775 (just twelve years) • Long, difficult process • Revolutionary War begins in 1775; lasts 1775-83 • US close to defeat on several occasions