The British Empire Chapter 3

Key Questions/Ideas

Mercantilism That every inch of a country's soil be utilized for agriculture, mining or manufacturing. That all raw materials found in a country be used in domestic manufacture, since finished goods have a higher value than raw materials. That a large, working population be encouraged. That all export of gold and silver be prohibited and all domestic money be kept in circulation. That all imports of foreign goods be discouraged as much as possible. That where certain imports are indispensable they be obtained at first hand, in exchange for other domestic goods instead of gold and silver. That as much as possible, imports be confined to raw materials that can be finished [in the home country]. That opportunities be constantly sought for selling a country's surplus manufactures to foreigners, so far as necessary, for gold and silver. That no importation be allowed if such goods are sufficiently and suitably supplied at home.

Navigation Acts Began in A series of laws restricting colonial trade –American colonists were smuggling goods Spain, France, Holland

Navigation Acts 1651 Rules: – – – –

Navigation Acts Results: *Chart on page 72 of Navigation Acts

Continued Colonial Problems King Charles II in 1684 finally cracks down on colonial smuggling – resisted royal authority “The laws of England…do not reach America” Give me my charter back you insolent colonists! –King revokes charter, now a charter  stricter control

Dominion of New England, 1685/1687 orders colonies from Maine to New Jersey under one ruler  – – – Levied taxes without local input “You have no more privileges left you, than not to be sold for slaves” Increase Mather sent from colonies to England in 1688 to negotiate a return to old charter, but….

Dominion of New England

James II fathered a son in 1688! (James’ daughter) invited to rule, 1689 –Bloodless revolution in England and colonies –Charter restored Changes –King appointed governor –More religious toleration