refers to the expectation that the North American colonies would support and contribute to the British economy in exchange for a certain degree of independence.
Related terms
Navigation Acts: These were laws passed by Britain that required the North American colonies to only trade with Britain and use British ships, thereby ensuring economic dependence.
Mercantilism: This was an economic system where colonies existed primarily for the benefit of their mother country, in this case, Britain.
Salutary Neglect: This policy involved England's lax enforcement of strict regulations on trade and taxation in its North American colonies, giving them more economic freedom.