1. English Trade Laws Colonial Trade The Middle Passage (Slave Trade)
The Growth of Trade
English Trade Laws
Colonial Trade
The Middle Passage (Slave Trade)

2. English Trade Laws
Trade was the main reason for founding the colonies. (Imperialism and mercantilism)
Under mercantilism, the desire is to become economically self-sufficient, trade is controlled carefully.
This is called a balance of trade. (fewer imports than exports.)

3. The Problem b/t England and the Colonies
Between 1650 and 1696, the British Parliament passed a series of laws to make sure they maintained a balance of trade.
They were called the Navigation Acts
Required colonists to do the bulk of trading with England
The acts also forced the colonists to pay duties on imports (higher taxes)

4. Other mercantile laws The Woolen Act - 1699 The Hat Act - 1732
Both prevented the colonies from trading these products with other countries.
The Iron Act – 1750 prevented the colonies from producing finished iron products.

5. The Problem Continued
England claimed that the acts helped the colonies by offering them a steady market
The colonies wanted greater freedom to trade with other countries (seeking cheaper markets.)
THE COLONIES WANTED FREE ENTERPRISE – economic competition with little governmental control.
The English gov. prevented this which led to an unfavorable balance of trade in the colonies.

6. Mercantilism & the colonies
Colonies sold raw materials to England,
England sold manufactured goods to the colonies,
The Navigation Acts forced the colonies to trade only with England
What were some of the disadvantages the colonists experienced under this system? Would Am. Business support this system today?

7. Triangular trade
A triangle of trade existed between the Americas, England, and Africa.
This is an early form of free enterprise

9. The Slave Trade Was known as the middle passage
Brought about 10 million Africans to the Americas as slaves
Slaves were sold for molasses or taken to the colonies and sold for cash
Olaudah Equiano – described the horrors of the voyage

10. The middle passage Could last 3 months
Africans were chained by the hands and neck
Lived between the upper and lower decks of the ship
As many were put on a ship as possible to ensure greater profits.

11. Colonial Economy Agriculture in the Southern Colonies Crops Labor
Cash crops-sold for a profit (tobacco, rice)
Eliza Lucas Pinckney introduced indigo to S. Carolina
Labor
Slaves replaced servants by 1700s
Most southern colonies passed slave codes to control slaves (laws)

12. Colonial Economy continued
Industry and trade in New England
Agriculture
Crop growth was limited by soil conditions and climate
Limited demand for labor meant fewer slaves
Industries
Traded locally and overseas
Fishing, shipbuilding, and timber
Learning Skills
Apprentices learned a skilled trade

13. Colonial Economy continued
The Middle Colonies
Agriculture
Rich land and good growing season
Produced staple crops- crops always needed.
Such as wheat, barley and oats
Labor
Slaves worked as skilled laborers, dock workers, and farmhands.
Indentured servants were also used
Trade and free enterprise – valued in region

14. Women and the economy Ran farms and businesses Laws
Women needed husbands permission to work outside of the home
Husband had the right to keep the money his wife earned.
Most women worked out of the home as doctors and midwives.