Navigation Acts

Definition

The Navigation Acts were a series of laws enacted by England in the 17th and 18th centuries aimed at regulating colonial trade and ensuring that it benefited the English economy. These acts required that goods imported to or exported from the colonies be carried on English ships, effectively monopolizing trade and reinforcing the principles of mercantilism, which sought to maximize national wealth through strict control over economic activities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Navigation Acts were first passed in 1651 and were designed to ensure that colonial trade was conducted in a way that benefited England economically.
2. These acts stipulated that certain 'enumerated' goods, like tobacco and sugar, could only be exported to England or other English colonies.
3. Colonial merchants often found ways to circumvent the Navigation Acts through smuggling, leading to tensions between the colonies and the British government.
4. The enforcement of these acts increased significantly after the French and Indian War as Britain sought to recover war debts and maintain control over colonial trade.
5. Resistance to the Navigation Acts contributed to growing sentiments of independence among American colonists, eventually leading to revolutionary movements.

Review Questions

• How did the Navigation Acts reflect mercantilist principles and influence colonial trade?
  • The Navigation Acts embodied mercantilist principles by ensuring that colonial trade primarily benefited England. By mandating that goods from the colonies be transported on English ships and limiting where these goods could be sold, these acts aimed to create a favorable balance of trade for England. This regulation not only reinforced England's economic dominance but also restricted the colonies' ability to engage freely in trade with other nations.
• Evaluate the impact of the Navigation Acts on colonial merchants and their response to these regulations.
  • The Navigation Acts significantly impacted colonial merchants by restricting their trading options and forcing them to use English ships for transporting goods. Many colonial merchants viewed these restrictions as unfair and detrimental to their businesses, leading to widespread smuggling as they sought to evade regulations. This tension between merchants and British authorities reflected broader frustrations within the colonies regarding British control over their economic activities.
• Analyze how resistance to the Navigation Acts contributed to the growing desire for independence among American colonists.
  • Resistance to the Navigation Acts was a critical factor in fostering a desire for independence among American colonists. As enforcement of these laws intensified after the French and Indian War, many colonists began to see them as symbols of British oppression. The frustration over economic restrictions led to increased political activism and organization within the colonies, contributing to revolutionary sentiments. Ultimately, this resistance laid the groundwork for a broader movement toward independence as colonists sought to assert their rights against perceived tyranny.

Related terms

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth through trade, particularly by maximizing exports and minimizing imports, while maintaining a favorable balance of trade.

Colonial Economy: The economic system that developed in the American colonies, characterized by agriculture, trade, and resource extraction that primarily benefited the mother country.

Salutary Neglect: A policy adopted by the British government during the early 18th century, allowing the American colonies to operate with considerable autonomy and reducing enforcement of strict trade regulations, including the Navigation Acts.