Essay about 17th Century English Mercantilism - 946 Words

Mercantilism Essay England in the 17th century adopted the policy of mercantilism, exercising control over the trade of the colonies, thus greatly affecting their political and economical development. Mercantilism was the policy in Europe throughout the 1500s to the 1700s where the government of the mother country controlled the industry and trade of other, weaker settlements with the idea that national strength and economic security comes from exporting more than what is imported. Possession of colonies provided the countries with sources of raw materials and markets for their manufactured goods. This system had political and economical repercussions on the inflicted because it inspired many new laws and acts for the colonies,†¦show more content†¦This did not stop countless instances of the colonies smuggling to other, unapproved countries. To try to put an end to the smuggling, Parliament, in 1696, established a system of courts to hear the cases and deliver justice without juries. Lo ndon also created a Board of Trade whose job it was to watch over governors and customs official to avoid corruption and lax enforcement. Despite the Glorious Revolution, when new leadership altered the conditions in England, the mercantile limitations remained, so that in the 18th century there were more English officials in the colonies than at any other time, creating friction between those loyal and compliant with the crown and those wishing for personal gain and freedom. The restrictions in colonial trade, although poorly implemented, were resented and opposed; moreover, this illegal expanse of productive activity would become associated with political rights and self-government. Mercantile regulations also influenced the American colonies economical development through tariffs, limited trading partners, and smuggling. Before the mercantilistic idea came about, numerous monopolies prevailed in trade. These monopolies were discouraged and eventually declined because it was t hought that monopolies privileged only a few traders and prevented competition or expansion of trade. English merchants sought extensive government intervention in the economy to protect rising economic interest. The laws,Show MoreRelatedEssay about The Atlantic System1040 Words   |  5 PagesOverview How did the Atlantic System affect Europe, Africa, and the Americas? (The Earth and Its Peoples, 500) The movement of goods, people, and wealth in the late 17th and 18th centuries permanently changed societies across the continents of Europe, Africa, and North and South America, thereby increasing the reach of globalization in the modern age. Most influential to this movement was what is sometimes referred to as â€Å"The Atlantic Circuit†, a triangle of trade between Western Europe, westernRead MoreHis103 Chap 3,4,5 Essay example935 Words   |  4 Pagescolonization by trying to fight back. 2. 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