Evolution of British Policy in the Colonies: 1750 to 1776Relations between England and the British North American colonies could always be considered precarious. Before 1750 the English essentially followed a policy of benign neglect and political autonomy in the American colonies. (Davidson p.97) The colonies were mostly content with a policy of benevolent neglect, enjoying “greater equality and representative government” (Davidson p.95) within the colonies. Competition between European imperial nations began to influence British policy towards the North American colonies causing rapid changes from 1750 to 1776. During this period, the British Empire made a series of political decisions that sealed the fate of the British North American colonies and led to the American empire. Revolution. In 1745, the French, Spanish, and British empires began competing over international trade networks and natural resources. Subsequently, each empire began maneuvering to maintain and expand its territory in North America. In 1750, England and France each concluded that the “Ohio country,” the land west of the Appalachians, was vital to their interests. (Davidson p.102) This battle on Ohio Territory brought the English and French into the Seven Years' War. In the early years of the Seven Years' War, the British struggled, suffering a significant defeat at Fort Duquesne and surrendering at Fort Necessity. (Davidson p.102-3) Their defeats were largely due to the incompetent leadership and political decisions of the English. For example, General Braddock alienated the native Indians, who then aligned and fought with the French. The North American colonial troops despised the commander General Campbell, the Earl of Loudon. Many men we...... middle of paper......and Independence thus entering the American Revolution. British policies and leaders continually weakened the citizens of the colonies. It was British elitist views that continually caused poor political and leadership decisions. Instead of using a diplomatic approach, Britain continued to try to assert its dominance over the colonies. These same problems and arrogant attitudes would ultimately cost them the war. In the end the battle wasn't about British politics, it was a battle between a monarchy and a democracy. It was not possible for the two sides to reconcile their different political ideologies. The English were naive in thinking they could rule America like a monarch. After all, most British Americans left “Mother England” in search of a better life, many in search of freedoms not afforded at home. Perhaps America's destiny has always been to be independent.