Acts of Trade and Navigation

Acts of Trade and Navigation were laws enacted by England in the 17th and 18th centuries to regulate colonial commerce. They required that goods from colonies be shipped on English ships and primarily traded with England or its colonies. The purpose was to control trade profits, strengthen the economy, and support the British navy. These laws limited colonies' ability to trade freely and ensured England benefited financially. While they promoted English maritime interests, they also contributed to tensions leading to American independence.