Final answer:
During the beginning of the war, Britain influenced trade through negotiating trade agreements with other nations and using their navy to protect their trading stations and colonial outposts.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the beginning of the war, Britain influenced trade through various means. First, Britain had a head start in trade due to the industrial revolution starting in their country. They also had a strong navy, which allowed them to protect their trading stations and colonial outposts. Additionally, the British government was dominated by free-traders who wanted to abolish customs duties and ensure free access to foreign markets for British merchants.
Britain influenced trade by negotiating trade agreements with other nations. They would approach the ruler of a non-European country and ask for access to its customers and raw materials. If the country agreed, the British would establish themselves and engage in buying and selling. However, if the country refused, the British would threaten military action. In some cases, negotiations would lead to the signing of commercial treaties, while in other cases, it would result in war.
The British pursuit of trade agreements and access to foreign markets played a significant role in establishing their worldwide preeminence. However, it is important to note that the British did not have a grand master plan for world domination. Their actions were guided by economic imperatives such as the need to open up foreign markets and secure British investments abroad.