American History Period of the Benign Neglect (1620-1750) PDF

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Class taken with M Izady. Students were required to write a short essay on the topic....

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Period of the Benign Neglect (1620-1750) Between the years 1620 and 1750, Britain had neglected the American colonies due to revolution and civil war. The premise for the Glorious Revolution of Britain was happening at the time that saw the transfer of power from the monarchy to parliament under King James. After the death of King James I, his son Charles I became King. Under his rule, the Petition of Rights was signed guaranteeing more power to Parliament. When King Charles I was beheaded, King William and Queen Mary took the crown and signed away all of their power to Parliament thus creating the Bill of Rights of 1689 and concluding the Glorious Revolution. With Britain’s focus on themselves, the British citizens in the colonies were beginning their evolution. Although British citizens benefit from the Bill of Rights, it was the colonists who took full advantage of their new found rights. Additionally, the colonists were not subject to the same taxation systems as the British were. This allowed colonists to become richer than them through a variety of ways. The Period of Benign Neglect played a strong role in introducing Americans to the concept of individualism. It was evident to the colonists that even without parliamentary interference or guidance, they are capable of developing on their own in a new found land. This is particularly true for their economy. The colonies were able to secure their role in the manufacturing of iron and even competed against the English iron industry. Whether they knew it or not, the neglect from the British shaped the colonists independence and set the basis for future development....