British Empire in North America Mercantilism economic system

British Empire in North America Mercantilism: economic system based on national policies of obtaining wealth, establishing colonies, developing a merchant marine, industry and mining to attain a favorable balance or trade. This would increase the wealth of the nation as a whole, thereby increasing its power and international influence. The British wanted to monopolize trade relations with the colonies. Navigation Acts: passed by England in an attempt to regulate colonial trade - closed the colonies to all trade except for what was carried on English ships - colonists had to export certain items exclusively to England - all goods coming from/going to colonies had to pass through England - it imposed duties (tariffs) on coastal trade - forced the colonies to build up their shipbuilding industry ** Many colonists ignored these laws and began to protest colonial rule **

Charles II ignored these protests from 1660 -1685 and claimed that the colonists could not manufacture any goods that competed with English products. (During “English Restoration”) James II (Charles’ brother and king upon Charles’ death) had even greater control over the colonists. - abolished assemblies in the colonies (starting with Mass. ) - canceled charters in NY, NJ, CT and RI - combined all of these into the “Dominion” along with NH and Plymouth Edmund Andros was appointed head of the Dominion – helped destroy the liberties and institutions that had evolved over 3 generations in the colonies. Many in considered Andros “Boston’s tyrant”, who claimed the colonists “left their rights behind when they left England”

Glorious Revolution (1688 -1689) James II had converted to Catholicism in 1676 and wanted all high-ranking officials to be Catholics. Parliament resisted and claimed he was making too many changes, tried to overthrow him (and put his daughter Mary in power). - James II fled the country - Mary married William of Orange and took over as Queen of England * est. a Bill of Rights that set limits on royal power * this gave Parliament most of the control * colonies gained more control over their gov. (MA unseated Andros) This revolution caused the British to reevaluate the political system in England - John Locke justified the revolution by saying each individual has rightslife, liberty, property (natural rights) - said governments are necessary because inequalities develop over time and the strong prey on the weak

- claimed governments were voluntary agreements between the people and their rulers and they get their rights from the consent of the people (social contract) - the basis for representative government had been established and this influence colonial gov. tremendously would Britain began to adhere to the policy of “salutary neglect” (hands-off policy) - ignored tight regulation of trade - said England was over 3000 miles away- too far to monitor colonial actions - tax collectors were poorly paid, therefore didn’t want to do their job Economic relationship was defined by mercantilism Political relationship was defined by salutary neglect