The Colonies Come of Age Chapter 3

Key Questions/Ideas

Mercantilism That every inch of a country's soil be utilized for agriculture, mining or manufacturing. That all raw materials found in a country be used in domestic manufacture, since finished goods have a higher value than raw materials. That a large, working population be encouraged. That all export of gold and silver be prohibited and all domestic money be kept in circulation. That all imports of foreign goods be discouraged as much as possible. That where certain imports are indispensable they be obtained at first hand, in exchange for other domestic goods instead of gold and silver. That as much as possible, imports be confined to raw materials that can be finished [in the home country]. That opportunities be constantly sought for selling a country's surplus manufactures to foreigners, so far as necessary, for gold and silver. That no importation be allowed if such goods are sufficiently and suitably supplied at home. A country’s ultimate goal was self-sufficiency and all countries were in a competition to acquire the most gold/silver (fixed amount) – focus on balance of trade

Navigation Acts Began in American colonists were smuggling goods Spain, France, Holland

Navigation Acts Rules: No country could trade with the colonies unless the goods were All vessels had to be operated by crews at least English (incl. colonial) Most products only exported from colonies to Goods had to pass through before being traded with Europe

Navigation Acts Results:

Continued Colonial Problems King in 1684 finally cracks down on colonial smuggling Puritans resisted royal authority King revokes charter, now a charter  strict control

Dominion of New England , 1685 places colonies from Maine to New Jersey under one ruler  “You have no more privileges left you, than not to be sold for slaves” Increase Mather sent from colonies to England in 1688 to negotiate a return to old charter, but….

Glorious Revolution James II fathered a son in 1688! (James’ daughter) invited to rule, 1689 Bloodless revolution in England and colonies Charter restored Changes

= + Salutary Neglect Salutary Neglect Tougher laws, but not really enforced (as long as colonies supplied raw materials)

Salutary Neglect 1607-1696 1696-1763 1763-1775 Colonists left to govern themselves  helps colonists form a collective identity