ported into the colonies-with few exceptions-were to pass through England and were thus subject to British import duties, and certain 'enumerated articles' produced by the colonies were to be shipped first to England, even if destined for ultimate resale in other European countries"(Britain's North American Empire 23). These restrictions ultimately taxed the colonies more than would have been necessary, causing many merchants to lose more money just so that Britain could rule over the trade of the European world. The 1733 Molasses Act, duties on colonial products, and "elaborate paperwork slowed processes and
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