Final answer:
The Navigation Acts were British laws designed to reinforce mercantilism by controlling colonial trade, which could only be carried in English or colonial ships and with certain goods restricted to trade within the empire. The period of salutary neglect refers to Britain's lax enforcement of these acts, which allowed colonies to engage in their own maritime trade and smuggling, leading to growing autonomy and dissatisfaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Navigation Acts and Mercantilism
The Navigation Acts were a series of laws passed by the British Parliament that regulated trade between England and its colonies. These acts were designed to reinforce the policy of mercantilism, an economic theory that emphasizes the accumulation of wealth, particularly gold and silver, through a favorable balance of trade. The acts ensured that trade within the British Empire would be conducted using English or colonial ships, and goods like sugar, tobacco, and cotton were part of the enumerated articles, which meant they could only be shipped within the empire, strengthening England's economic control over its colonies.
Salutary Neglect
Despite these regulations, the British government exercised a policy of what is known as salutary neglect during the eighteenth century. This term refers to the unofficial policy of relaxed enforcement of trade regulations on the American colonies, particularly under Prime Minister Robert Walpole's guidance, believing that unrestricted commerce would be more profitable. This created a semi-autonomous situation, allowing the colonies to develop their own maritime trade networks.
The lack of strict enforcement of the Navigation Acts led to an increase in smuggling and ultimately contributed to growing colonial resentment towards Britain—a factor that contributed to the American Revolution.