Final answer:
The British Atlantic trade network maintained the colonists' British identity through trade relationships, economic benefits, and access to British goods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The British Atlantic trade network, set up under the Navigation Acts, maintained the colonists' British identity in several ways:
- Trade relationships: The Navigation Acts specified that the colonists could only ship their goods within the British Empire. This meant that the colonists primarily traded with England and other British colonies, reinforcing their economic dependence on Britain.
- Economic benefits: The colonists received benefits from the trade acts, such as a monopoly over certain goods, rebates on imported goods from England, and protection from piracy by the Royal Navy. These benefits helped improve their standard of living and increased their loyalty to the British Empire.
- Consumer culture: The colonists desired to participate in the consumer revolution happening in Europe. They wanted to purchase British goods that were considered luxuries. The British trade network allowed them access to these goods, further strengthening their connection to British culture and identity.