Britain and North America in 1760: British attitudes towards the colonies;…

The idea

In 1760, Britain viewed its North American colonies through a mercantilist lens, valuing them as sources of raw materials and captive markets. British attitudes were characterised by 'salutary neglect', allowing colonial assemblies significant autonomy provided trade remained profitable. The politics of Empire were managed loosely by the Board of Trade, reflecting a decentralised administrative approach. Crucially, this dynamic was shaped by intense imperial rivalries with France. The ongoing Seven Years' War highlighted the strategic necessity of the colonies, prompting Britain to commit vast military resources to defeat French forces. This costly victory would soon force a fundamental reassessment of imperial politics and colonial taxation.

What earns the marks

• Explain the concept of mercantilism and how it shaped British economic attitudes towards the colonies.
• Assess the impact of 'salutary neglect' on the political relationship between Britain and the colonial assemblies.
• Analyse the structure of imperial administration, noting the roles of the Board of Trade and the Privy Council.
• Evaluate how the rivalry with France, culminating in the Seven Years' War, altered British strategic priorities in North America.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming Britain exerted strict, tyrannical control over the colonies in 1760.

  Put it right: In reality, the policy was one of 'salutary neglect' where trade laws were loosely enforced.

• Confusing the political structures of the Empire by claiming there was a highly centralised Colonial Office in 1760, rather than a loose administration overseen by the Board of Trade and the Secretary of State for the Southern Department.

• Ignoring the French threat; students often focus solely on Anglo-American relations without acknowledging that the French presence in Canada drove British military and political policy.

Exam tips

• Use the term 'salutary neglect' to describe the pre-1763 relationship, but always explain what it meant in practice regarding trade and governance.
• When discussing the politics of Empire, contrast the theoretical power of the British Parliament with the practical autonomy of the colonial assemblies.
• Link the rivalry with France directly to the changing British attitudes; the financial cost of the Seven Years' War is the catalyst for subsequent imperial tensions.