Navigation Acts

Definition

The Navigation Acts were a series of laws passed by the English Parliament in the 17th century that aimed to regulate colonial trade and enable England to collect taxes from its colonies. These acts mandated that certain goods produced in the colonies could only be shipped to England or English colonies, effectively limiting trade with other nations. By doing so, they supported mercantilist economic policies that emphasized national wealth accumulation through a favorable balance of trade.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Navigation Acts were first introduced in 1651, with the intent to promote English shipping and restrict foreign competition.
2. These acts included provisions that required all goods transported to and from the colonies to be carried on English or colonial ships.
3. The enforcement of the Navigation Acts led to increased tensions between England and its American colonies, contributing to growing sentiments for independence.
4. The acts were part of a broader mercantilist strategy that sought to maximize exports and minimize imports for England's benefit.
5. Although initially successful in boosting English trade, over time, strict enforcement of these acts sparked resistance and noncompliance among colonists.

Review Questions

• How did the Navigation Acts reflect mercantilist principles in colonial trade policies?
  • The Navigation Acts embodied mercantilist principles by prioritizing national control over colonial trade, aiming to ensure that wealth generated in the colonies benefited England directly. By mandating that only English or colonial ships could transport goods, these laws restricted trade with foreign nations, thereby enhancing England’s economic power. This created a system where the colonies were economically tied to England, reinforcing the mercantilist goal of maximizing national wealth through regulated trade.
• Discuss the impact of the Navigation Acts on the relationship between England and its American colonies during the 17th century.
  • The Navigation Acts significantly strained relations between England and its American colonies by imposing restrictions that many colonists viewed as unjust and economically disadvantageous. Colonists were frustrated by their inability to freely trade with other nations, which limited their economic opportunities. As enforcement intensified, resistance began to grow among colonists, setting the stage for political dissent that ultimately contributed to revolutionary sentiments in the years leading up to independence.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Navigation Acts on British colonial policy and their role in shaping future economic relations with former colonies.
  • In the long term, the Navigation Acts had profound consequences on British colonial policy and shaped future economic relations post-independence. The acts created a legacy of resentment among colonists who felt economically oppressed, which fueled revolutionary ideas and actions against British authority. After independence, former colonies sought to establish more open trade policies that reflected their new status as independent nations, diverging from mercantilist practices. This shift influenced global trading dynamics and laid the groundwork for modern economic relationships based on free trade principles.

Related terms

Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasizes the role of government in regulating the economy to increase national wealth, primarily through a positive balance of trade.

Colonial Economy: The economic system that developed in colonies, often focused on the export of raw materials to the mother country and the import of finished goods.

Trade Monopoly: The exclusive control over a commodity or trade route, often established by government regulations to favor certain economic interests.