Final answer:
The anti-piracy policy of the British crown in the 1660s was primarily motivated by economic and political reasons. The government aimed to protect the interests of English merchants and colonial planters, ensure economic health, and strengthen trade restrictions on the colonies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anti-piracy policy of the British crown in the 1660s was primarily motivated by economic and political reasons. The government wanted to protect the interests of English merchants and colonial planters and ensure the economic health of the empire. Lax enforcement of trade regulations during King William's War increased smuggling and privateering, which posed a risk to the empire's economy. Parliament, with the approval of the crown, implemented measures such as the Navigation Act and the Trade Act to strengthen trade restrictions on the colonies and secure political and economic strength.