How did Britains "neglect" of the colonies gradually lead to independance?

Question

This is my AP US HISTROY essay question. I'm struggling in the class and need ALOT of guidance. Can anyone just sum this up for me please? I'd really appriciate it. Thx...

Answer 1

Britain used the plan of salutary neglect on the colonies. This allowed the colonies to fin for themselves and basically live as their own country, just under the british rule, with hardly any rules and laws. When the British decided to start taxing the colonists and enforcing laws that had never before been enforced, the colonists decided to declare their independence.

Answer 2

After the French and Indian War, the British were at debt, so the king declared the Proclamation of 1763 so the colonists wouldn’t make the Native Americans mad. Colonists that wanted to move westwards because they earned it after winning the battle were angry. Then came the Navigation Act, then the Sugar Act, then the Stamp Act. That made then very angry and the Stamp Act Congress sent a letter without a stamp on it to the king, but he ignored them. Then came the Quartering Act, then the Declatory Act, then the Townshend Act, then the Boston Masacre. The Tea Act caused the Boston tea party, and that made the king issue more acts to punish the colonists. This is an example of the king being like a father punishing his children. This made the colonists orgainize the First Continental Congress. They sent a declaration of Rights and Grievances to King George, but he ignored it. The Battle of Lexington and Concord made the Americans believe they could wage war against Britain. The Second Continental Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition, being the last resort against war. King George didn’t even look at it, and so the people declared their independence with the Declaration.

Basically, the king of England wanted money back, so he taxed the colonists, thinking they would just obey him. They didn't like it and rebelled.