Final answer:
The economic policy of mercantilism implemented by England influenced the creation of the Navigation Acts, which restricted colonial trade to benefit England economically.
Step-by-step explanation:
The economic policy of mercantilism implemented by England had a significant influence on the creation of laws like the Navigation Acts. Mercantilism aimed to increase the wealth and power of the mother country by establishing a favorable balance of trade.
The Navigation Acts were a series of laws that restricted colonial trade to benefit England economically. These acts required that colonial goods be transported in British ships and sold only to England or other British colonies, ensuring that England remained the primary beneficiary of colonial trade.
The colonists had mixed feelings about these laws, as they both benefited and harmed them. On one hand, the Navigation Acts provided a stable market for their goods and protected them from foreign competition. The acts also ensured the colonies' access to British manufactured goods.
However, the laws limited the colonists' economic freedom and forced them to rely heavily on England for trade. Some colonists resented the trade restrictions and smuggling became a common practice to bypass them. Others were more compliant, recognizing the economic benefits that came with the laws.
In response to the Navigation Acts, the colonists took various actions to challenge and evade the restrictions. Smuggling became a widespread practice, with colonists using secret routes and hiding their illicit trade from British authorities.
The colonists also protested against the acts, arguing that they violated their rights as English subjects.
They formed non-importation agreements, boycotting British goods in an effort to pressure the British government to lift the trade restrictions. These acts of resistance eventually contributed to the growing discontent that would lead to the American Revolution.