Answer:
Parliament's decision to regulate transatlantic commerce with its American colonies was motivated by mercantilism. All shipments to or from British North America had to be made on British ships, and any shipments bound for Europe had to first arrive in Britain in order to be taxed there. Only to Britain might certain products be shipped.
Concept(s):
- Mercantile system, a system or political and economic policy, evolving with the modern state and seeking to secure a nation's political and economic supremacy in it's rivalry with other states. According to this system, money was regarded as a store of wealth, and the goal of a state was the accumulation of precious metals, by exporting the largest possible quantity of its products and importing as little as possible, thus establishing a favorable balance of trade.
- Crossing or reaching across the Atlantic; situated beyond the Atlantic.
Explanation:
<em>What is the connection between mercantilism and colonialism?</em>
Colonialism was viewed as an outgrowth of mercantilism in the 18th century. According to marchantilism, every nation should make an effort to increase exports while reducing imports. The purpose of colonies was to complement the goods that the colonizer could generate on its own.
All trade related to colonialism was mandated by the British, in particular, to go via England. Colonial traders were not permitted to make direct purchases or sales from suppliers or to any foreign clients. Additionally, colonists were not permitted to directly sell things made in the home nation. The British saw the entire empire as a closed system. The American colonists were aware that they were paying more for their purchases and receiving less money for their sales. This was one of the triggers for the American Revolution.
Even though the Americans prevailed in their battle, the mercantilist concept persisted. Until the European colonial system collapsed after World War II, every major imperialist power made an effort to prevent other countries from stealing resources from its colonies and mandated that colonialists be supplied by the home country in some way.
Thank you,
Eddie
