Econ in Colonial America

             During the 1500's to 1800's, the strength and stature of a country depended upon its political power, which can be traced to how self-sufficient it was. Striving to be self-sufficient was what nations sought after; dependency was not a characteristic of a powerful nation. Raw materials were the most required item to strengthen the central government, and deter interactions, such as trade with other nations. The first country to introduce mercantilism
             in America was Spain. The Spanish American colonies were not allowed to trade directly with Europe. Instead they had to funnel all of the sugar and tobacco, two common commodities of the new land, through Spain. When this was done, heavy custom duties were imposed and the
             central government gained. Spanish American colonies were forced into providing precious metals and raw materials to the mother country. These colonies existed only to enrich Spain, even if the economic policies adversely effected the well-being of the colonies. This grip caused the central economy of Spain to grow at the expense of the colonies. During the duration of this period, the 1500's through the 1700's, mercantilism had a major effect on the economies in the new world. English speaking colonies were effected by England's policies and acts. These policies and acts were means of controlling the economy of the colonies in America and strengthen the central government of England. Dutch traders had the commercial vessel market well cornered in the 1640's. It was very difficult for English colonies to compete with the Dutch. With owning 75 percent of Northern Europe's' vessels, being well-financed and experienced, the Dutch were going to stay in control of the market unle!
             ss European Parliament intervened. In 1651 the European parliament enacted the first Navigation Act to undercut the Dutch's domination. England was hoping that this Act would exclude the Dutch from trade with the English and force its ow...

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Econ in Colonial America . (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 06:44, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/63984.html