British Mercantilism

A Path to Colonial Economic Opportunity

The prosperity of a nation is dependent upon its supply of capital, and that of the global volume of international trade is “unchangeable”.

The ruling government should advance these goals by playing a protectionist role in the economy.◦ Encouraging exports◦ Discouraging imports: through the use of tariffs &

subsidies.

Economic Theory of Mercantilism

A series of laws which restricted the use of foreign shipping for trade between England and its colonies.

All goods bound for America must pass through either England or Wales; where it was unloaded, inspected, taxed, and reloaded on British ships for transport.

Navigation Acts

These imports were sugar, rice, & tobacco, and they had to be landed & pay tax before going to other countries.

The results were:◦ Increased costs to the colonists◦ Increased shipping time

“Enumerated Commodities”

Attempted to heighten and increase control over colonial trade and production

Prohibited the export of wool from America which included: wool, wool yarn, and wool cloth to markets outside the colonies.

Prohibited the import of woolens and linens created in other areas of the British Empire.

Forced all wool to be sold in British markets, and then resold to British citizens in all areas of the empire.

Each sale generated taxes.

Woolen Act of 1699

Tax of 6 pence/gallon on molasses from non-British colonies. Passed at the insistence of large plantation owners in the British West Indies.

New England & Middle colonies had a large trade system with the French, Dutch, & Spanish West Indies possessions.

Not instituted to generate revenue, but rather to control trade.

Molasses Act of 1733

To control hat production of the Americans. Placed limits on the manufacture, sale, and

exportation of American hats. Restricted hiring practices, by limiting the

number of workers that hat-makers could employ, & placed limits on the number of apprenticeships (2).

Americans were forced to buy British-made goods, causing them to pay 4 times as much for hats & cloth imported from Britain than for local goods.

The Hat Act of 1733

To restrict manufacturing, particularly in North America, and to encourage manufacturing in Great Britain.

America was the 3rd largest exporter of iron in the world.

If this act had been enforced, it would have severely limited manufacturing in the colonies.

Was designed to direct most American trade to Britain & to encourage the manufacture of goods for export to the colonies in Britain.

The Iron Act of 1750

Until 1763, these acts were not enforced. Although not enforced, they created

resentment in the colonists. They were attempts of the King &

Parliament to show the colonists who was “boss”.

Eventually, these acts and others would lead to the cry of “taxation without representation”, which would lead to the American Revolution.

Results of These Acts

Triangular Trade