Final answer:
Great Britain used mercantilism to ensure economic gain from their colonies, with the Navigation Acts central to this strategy, creating a trade network beneficial to the British economy and bolstered by the might of the British navy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Great Britain ensured they benefited from the colonies by implementing the theory of mercantilism, which revolved around accumulating wealth through a favorable balance of trade.
By passing laws such as the Navigation Acts, Great Britain mandated that the colonies trade exclusively with them, allowing the mother country to buy raw materials at a low cost and sell manufactured goods at higher prices. The British Empire's expansion, backed by the superior British navy and influenced by wealthy merchants and planters, increased Britain's wealth and political power.
The East India Company played a significant role in providing capital through its trade, exemplifying the joint-stock company model that was essential for the economic growth of the British Empire.
This capital investment allowed for the colonies to produce raw materials like sugar, cotton, and tobacco, which were crucial for British industry and trade policies. However, the enforcement of tax policies was often met with resistance from the colonies, setting the stage for discontent and eventual rebellion.