Final answer:
Salutary Neglect allowed colonial economic and political autonomy, but its end following the French and Indian War led to strict British trade laws and taxes, heightening tensions and contributing to the American Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Extent of Salutary Neglect's Impact on the Tension between Britain and the Colonies
The policy of Salutary Neglect played a significant role in the increasing tensions between Great Britain and the American colonies. Under the Prime Ministership of Robert Walpole, Salutary Neglect meant that British enforcement of trade regulations in the colonies was lax, allowing the colonies to flourish economically and develop a sense of autonomy. However, following the costly French and Indian War, Britain sought to recoup expenses by enforcing trade laws and imposing new taxes. This sudden shift in policy from neglect to enforcement disrupted the economic and political practices that the colonies had become accustomed to, causing great resentment. This change was viewed by the colonists as an overreach of British authority, especially since they lacked formal representation in Parliament, leading to the cry of 'no taxation without representation.'
The end of Salutary Neglect marked a turning point in colonial attitudes towards the British Crown. Prior to the Seven Years' War, the colonies had enjoyed a sense of self-rule and the ability to engage in trade with less interference from British authorities. The post-war period saw the implementation of new taxes and trade restrictions, which were met with strong opposition by the colonists and contributed to the deteriorating relationship that eventually led to the American Revolution.