Question

How important do you think the Navigation Acts were in solidifying anti-British sentiment in the North American colonies?

Answer 1

I think they were quite important due the fact that they kept colonists from profiting or expanding as groups of colonies. They were on the bad end of mercantilism so it kinda made them more anti-British.

Answer 2

Answer:

The importance of shipping to the birth of anti-British sentiment was that these acts gave England the full power over maritime commerce.

Explanation:

The Acts of Navigation were a series of laws passed in 1651 which made the use of foreign ships (anyone with a flag other than English) prohibited for all trade between the United Kingdom and its colonies around the world. It further determined that all maritime trade in European countries should be made by vessels belonging either to England or to the European country itself that was buying the product.

The law eliminated the existence of intermediaries in the English maritime trade, and guaranteed that the British naval industry would flourish. In addition, the foreign markets of the English colonies and protectorates were also protected from competition, especially the Dutch at that time, England's greatest commercial rivals.

The Acts of Navigation ensured the fulfillment of all the precepts of mercantilism in England. With this set of laws, the British came to dominate the maritime trade in the world and guaranteed privileged access to their colonies. This prevented the colonies from doing business with other countries which gave rise to the growth of anti-British sentiment.