3 1 England Its Colonies Mercantilism economic philosophy

3. 1: England Its Colonies

Mercantilism • economic philosophy of 17 th and 18 th century • colonies exist to enrich mother country - colonies raw materials Britain / Britain sells finished goods to colonies - profit from exports > cost of imports = favorable balance of trade

Navigation Acts • laws passed by Parliament to make colonists follow the rules 1. only British ships could be used to transport goods (3/4 of crew had to be British) 2. most goods had to go through British ports 3. goods (tobacco, sugar, cotton) could only be traded w/ British • colonists taxed for goods from non-British countries

Salutary Neglect • laws regulating colonial trade not easily enforceable - already at war w/ others - costs - distance - mercantilism still working • colonists ignore laws • British relaxed enforcement • colonial merchants smuggled goods from French, Dutch, and Spanish • bribed British customs officials and governors • eventually British try to crack down - too little, too late

Mercantilism Cartoon 1. Identify three symbols and for each explain what it represents. 2. Is mercantilism positively or negatively portrayed? Explain. 3. Give the cartoon a title.

Mercantilism Cartoon Directions: A. Make a cartoon that is pro-mercantilism from point of view of British citizens in England or the colonies. Include a title AND captions B. Complete the prompts below regarding your cartoon. 1. Identify three symbols and for each explain what it represents. 2. Explain how this positively promotes mercantilism. C. Be ready to present.