From 1690 to 1760, Parliament and the king of England allowed colonists in America to exercise a great deal of control over local and regional matters. Historians have described this practice as “salutary neglect.”
Which of the following happened as a direct result of this policy?
1.The colonies developed a strong tradition of self-government.
2.Many proprietary colonies were converted to royal colonies.
3.The colonies refused to participate in a system of common defense.
4.Many colonies sought economic aid from other countries.
1. The colonies developed a strong tradition of self-government.
This is the most likely direct result of the policy of salutary neglect. With minimal interference from the British government, the colonists were able to establish their own local governments and systems of governance. This led to a strong tradition of self-government in the colonies.
2. Many proprietary colonies were converted to royal colonies.
While some proprietary colonies may have been converted to royal colonies during this period, it is not directly linked to the policy of salutary neglect. The conversion of proprietary colonies to royal colonies was more influenced by individual circumstances and political factors rather than the policy of salutary neglect.
3. The colonies refused to participate in a system of common defense.
There is no direct evidence to suggest that the colonies refused to participate in a system of common defense as a result of the policy of salutary neglect. In fact, during this period, the colonies did contribute to common defense efforts, such as during the French and Indian War.
4. Many colonies sought economic aid from other countries.
There is no direct evidence to suggest that many colonies sought economic aid from other countries as a result of the policy of salutary neglect. The policy of salutary neglect allowed for the colonies to engage in trade and economic activities more freely, which may have led to increased economic prosperity, but seeking economic aid from other countries is not a direct result of the policy.
Based on the given options, the most likely direct result of the policy of salutary neglect is that the colonies developed a strong tradition of self-government (option 1).