Development of British policy in the colonies: 1750 to 1776Relations between England and the British colonies in North America could always be considered precarious . Before 1750, the British essentially followed a policy of benevolent neglect and political autonomy in the American colonies. (Davidson p.97) The colonies were mostly content with a policy of benign neglect, relishing “greater equality and representative government” (Davidson p.95) within the colonies. Competition between European imperial nations began to affect British policy towards the North American colonies, causing rapid changes between 1750 and 1776. During this period, the British Empire took a series of political decisions that sealed the fate of the British colonies in North America and led to the emergence of North America. Revolution. In 1745, the French, Spanish, and British empires began to compete for international trade networks and natural resources. Subsequently, each empire began maneuvers to maintain and extend possession of its territory in North America. In 1750, England and France each concluded that the “Ohio country,” west of the Appalachian Mountains, was vital to their interests. (Davidson p.102) This battle for control of the Ohio Country led the British and French into the Seven Years' War. During 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 incompetence of leadership and the political decisions of the British. For example, General Braddock alienated the native Indians, who then aligned and fought with the French. North American colonial troops despised Commander General Campbell, Earl of Loudon. Many men we...... middle of paper ...... achieved independence, thus entering the American Revolution. British politicians and leaders continually undermined the citizens of the colonies. It is Britain's elitist views that continually cause poor political and leadership decisions. Instead of using a diplomatic approach, Britain continued to attempt to assert its dominance over the colonies. These same problems and arrogant attitudes will ultimately cost them the war. Ultimately, the battle was not about British politics, but a battle between a monarchy and a democracy. It was not possible for the two parties to reconcile different political ideologies. The British 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, and many in search of freedoms not afforded to them at home. Maybe America's destiny was always to be independent.