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 ef

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In 1651 the European parliament enacted the first Navigation Act to undercut the Dutch's domination. It was very difficult for English colonies to compete with the Dutch. Everyone from small farmers to merchants were effected. After the War for Independence, America took some mercantilist ideas to begin building their political power and economy. These policies and acts were means of controlling the economy of the colonies in America and strengthen the central government of England. Charles II did not intend on doing away with the act, but revising it. " The working-class's approach to this problem is to riot, gather great mobs and burn things, and beat up the tax collectors. The Navigation Act was to stop the dominating Dutch from taking over the commercial vessel industry and build up Englands merchant marine. The colonies also noticed how the money was being spent and objected to it.

This law made it illegal to purchase any paper, newspapers, customs documents, various licenses, college diplomas, and numerous legal forms for recovering debts, buying land, and making wills without a stamp bought buy the British. This would establish a very high credit rating with other nations and help the government create political power. 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. The was no tax put on British rum, molasses, or sugar imported from British Colonies. Unlike the rest of the Acts passed for the improvement of the British government, the Stamp Act caused the biggest political storm. The upper-class's way of handling this was to make reforms and go about changing this in a

civilized manner.

Approximate Word count = 1636
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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