Growth of the British Empire

Salutary Neglect

• Definition: A system used by Britain to govern its American colonies from 1720-1763.

• Characteristics:

  • Allowed colonies a large degree of autonomy.

  • British officials recognized the challenges of governing from afar.

General Organization of a Colonial Government

• Royal Governor

• Governor's Council

• Colonial Assembly

Royal Governor

• Appointed by the king.

• Typically a former military officer with connections at court.

• Powers:

  • Can veto legislation passed by the assembly.

  • Has the authority to dissolve the assembly.

  • Appoints local officials.

Governor’s Council

• Function: An advisory body.

• Composition: Usually comprised of the wealthiest men in the colony.

• Roles:

  • Acts as the upper house of the assembly.

  • Serves as the highest court in the colony.

Colonial Assembly

• Elected body formed by male property owners in the colonies.

• Responsibilities:

  • Passes colony-specific laws and levies taxes.

  • Authorizes payment of the governor's salary.

Skilled Craftsman's Home

• Not detailed in the provided content.

Wealthy Colonial Leaders

• Thomas Lee of Virginia.

• Thomas Penn of Pennsylvania.

Task System

• Description: A slave labor system where an overseer assigns specific tasks to slaves to be completed within a time frame.

Leaders of the Great Awakening

• Jonathan Edwards

• George Whitefield

• Noted for their influence on religious practices and evangelical movements.

New Lights

• Definition: A group of Protestants advocating for more emotional and enthusiastic church services.

New Light Schools

• King’s College (Columbia): Anglican New Lights.

• College of Rhode Island (Brown): Baptist New Lights.

• College of New Jersey (Princeton): Presbyterian New Lights.

• Queen’s College (Rutgers): Dutch Reformed New Lights.

• Dartmouth College: Congregationalist New Lights.