Navigation Acts

Definition

The Navigation Acts were a series of laws enacted by the English Parliament in the 17th century that regulated colonial trade and enabled England to collect taxes from the colonies. These laws mandated that certain goods produced in the colonies could only be shipped to England or English colonies, establishing a mercantilist system that benefited the British economy while restricting colonial economic independence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Navigation Acts began in 1651 with the intention of boosting England's economy and securing its naval dominance over rival European powers.
2. These acts were part of a broader mercantilist policy designed to control colonial trade and ensure that England profited from colonial resources.
3. Colonial merchants often found ways to circumvent the Navigation Acts, leading to widespread smuggling and tension between the colonies and England.
4. The enforcement of these acts increased in the late 1760s, contributing to colonial unrest and fueling sentiments against 'taxation without representation.'
5. Ultimately, the Navigation Acts laid the groundwork for growing dissatisfaction among colonists, which played a significant role in the lead-up to the American Revolution.

Review Questions

• How did the Navigation Acts influence colonial society and culture in the American colonies?
  • The Navigation Acts shaped colonial society by creating an economic dependency on England, as they restricted trade with other nations. This led to a culture that revolved around compliance with British regulations while simultaneously fostering resistance through smuggling and rebellion. The tension between colonial interests and British control contributed to a unique identity among colonists, setting the stage for eventual calls for independence.
• Evaluate the effects of the Navigation Acts on the relationship between Britain and its American colonies during the pre-Revolutionary period.
  • The Navigation Acts had significant effects on British-colonial relations by enforcing economic control that often contradicted colonial interests. As Britain sought to tighten enforcement, it led to increased resentment among colonists who felt restricted in their economic freedom. This resentment was pivotal in fostering a collective identity among the colonies that opposed British rule, culminating in events like protests and eventually the American Revolution.
• Synthesize how the Navigation Acts and other factors contributed to revolutionary sentiment among colonists by the late 18th century.
  • The Navigation Acts, alongside other policies such as taxation without representation and increasing British military presence, created a growing sense of injustice among colonists. These acts restricted economic opportunities while benefiting Britain, leading to widespread discontent. The combination of economic control, lack of political voice, and a burgeoning sense of American identity fueled revolutionary sentiments that ultimately led to organized resistance and calls for independence from British rule.

Related terms

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of government in promoting exports and restricting imports to maximize national wealth.

Colonial Trade: The exchange of goods and services between the American colonies and Europe, which was heavily influenced by regulatory acts like the Navigation Acts.

Salutary Neglect:

An unofficial British policy of avoiding strict enforcement of parliamentary laws, which allowed the American colonies considerable freedom in their economic activities.