Question

Although the U.S. had no overseas colonies to protect, business and government leaders realized that a strong_______________was essential to defend trade and growing_______________interests.

Answer 1

In the context of the British empire, a strong navy was essential to defend trade and growing commercial interests.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of the mid-seventeenth century British empire, a strong navy was considered essential to defend trade and growing commercial interests.

As the British actively sought ways to expand their overseas empire, the navy played a crucial role in protecting British merchants at home and in the colonies. Meanwhile, duties on commerce funded much of the navy's rapid growth, allowing the government to develop policies based on the theory of mercantilism to meet the needs of the empire.

This combination of military and commercial interests was instrumental in enlarging the prestige and power of the empire, providing benefits to both the mother country and the colonies.