The British Empire

Chapter 3

Key Questions/Ideas

Mercantilism

• That every inch of a country's soil be utilized for agriculture, mining or manufacturing. • That all raw materials found in a country be used in domestic manufacture, since

finished goods have a higher value than raw materials. • That a large, working population be encouraged. • That all export of gold and silver be prohibited and all domestic money be kept in

circulation. • That all imports of foreign goods be discouraged as much as possible. • That where certain imports are indispensable they be obtained at first hand, in exchange

for other domestic goods instead of gold and silver. • That as much as possible, imports be confined to raw materials that can be finished [in

the home country]. • That opportunities be constantly sought for selling a country's surplus manufactures to

foreigners, so far as necessary, for gold and silver. • That no importation be allowed if such goods are sufficiently and suitably supplied at

home.

Navigation Acts• Began in

• A series of laws restricting colonial trade– American colonists were smuggling goods

• Spain, France, Holland

Navigation Acts• 1651 Rules:

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Navigation Acts• Results:

*Chart on page 72 of Navigation Acts 1651-1751

Continued Colonial Problems

• King Charles II in 1684 finally cracks down on colonial smuggling– resisted royal authority

• “The laws of England…do not reach America”

Give me my charter back you insolent colonists!

– King revokes charter, now a charter stricter control

Dominion of New England

• , 1685/1687 orders colonies from Maine to New Jersey under one ruler – – –

• Levied taxes without local input

“You have no more privileges left you, than not to be sold for slaves”

• Increase Mather sent from colonies to England in 1688 to negotiate a return to old charter, but….

Dominion of New England

• James II fathered a son in 1688!

• (James’ daughter) invited to rule, 1689– Bloodless revolution in England and colonies– Charter restored

• Changes– King appointed governor– More religious toleration