Navigation Acts

Definition

The Navigation Acts were a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in the 17th and 18th centuries that regulated trade between England and its colonies. The acts required all goods imported into Britain or its colonies to be shipped on British-owned vessels.

Related terms

Mercantilism: As explained earlier, this is an economic theory advocating for a positive balance of trade.

Colonialism: Also previously defined, colonialism refers to direct control by powerful countries over less powerful ones.

Imperialism: This is a policy or ideology by which a nation extends its power by acquiring territories. It can also include the exploitation of these territories for economic gain - similar to how older students might try to take control over younger ones at school.