Navigation acts

Definition

Navigation Acts were a series of laws enacted by England during the 17th century to regulate colonial trade and enable England to collect taxes from its colonies. These acts aimed to ensure that trade was conducted exclusively with English ships and to bolster England's economic interests at the expense of rivals, particularly during conflicts such as the Second Anglo-Dutch War. The impact of these laws significantly influenced Dutch global power and created economic challenges through competition in trade.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Navigation Acts were first passed in 1651, targeting Dutch shipping by requiring that certain goods be transported only on English ships.
2. The enforcement of these acts heightened tensions between England and the Dutch Republic, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
3. As a result of the Navigation Acts, Dutch merchants faced significant restrictions, leading them to seek new trading routes and methods.
4. The acts played a crucial role in shaping the colonial economies of both England and the Netherlands, fueling competition for dominance in international trade.
5. The long-term consequences of these acts included a decline in Dutch shipping power and increased reliance on smuggling among merchants seeking to bypass strict regulations.

Review Questions

• How did the Navigation Acts impact trade relations between England and the Dutch Republic?
  • The Navigation Acts severely restricted Dutch trade by mandating that specific goods could only be shipped on English vessels. This directly threatened the Dutch maritime economy, which had thrived on its extensive shipping and trading networks. The enforcement of these laws escalated tensions between England and the Dutch Republic, contributing to the outbreak of conflicts like the Second Anglo-Dutch War as both nations vied for control over lucrative trade routes.
• Analyze how the Navigation Acts contributed to shifts in global trade power dynamics during the 17th century.
  • The Navigation Acts represented a strategic move by England to enhance its own economic power while undermining rivals like the Dutch Republic. By prioritizing English ships in colonial trade, these laws effectively curtailed Dutch influence over global commerce. As a result, while England consolidated its control over international trade routes, the Dutch faced economic challenges that diminished their global standing. This shift marked a significant change in power dynamics as countries adjusted their trading strategies in response to such restrictive policies.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Navigation Acts on both British and Dutch economies into the 18th century.
  • The long-term effects of the Navigation Acts were profound for both British and Dutch economies. For Britain, these acts facilitated an expansion of its naval power and solidified its economic dominance through mercantilist policies. In contrast, they led to a gradual decline in Dutch shipping supremacy as merchants increasingly resorted to smuggling to bypass restrictions. This transition not only reshaped trade practices but also set the stage for future economic rivalries that influenced colonial policies and maritime strategies well into the 18th century.

Related terms

Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasizes the role of government in managing trade and accumulating wealth through a positive balance of trade.

East India Company:

A joint-stock company established by England in the early 17th century to conduct trade in the East Indies and manage colonial commerce.

Smuggling: The act of illegally transporting goods in violation of laws or regulations, often in response to restrictive trade policies like the Navigation Acts.