1. Mercantilism in the American Colonies

2. Principal vs. Practice
The colonists were often upset with actions that the king took based on principle
In practice the king intervened very little in their affairs

3. Mercantilism
Definition: The economic theory that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by the accumulation of profitable balances which a government should encourage by means of protectionism

4. The British government saw the colonies as an economic resource
The crown had the right to veto any law made in the colonies that would interfere with the British Economy
The veto would only be used 469 times out of 8,563 laws passed in the colonies

5. The Mercantilism system gave the colonies protection and support but kept them in a position subordinate to the mother country

6. Taxes
The English crown was in debt following the French and Indian war
They looked to the colonies to pay for their share of their defense.

7. Strict enforcement of Navigation acts (1763)
Sugar Act (1764)
Quartering Act (1765)
Stamp Act (1765)

8. Resistance
The colonists resisted the taxes vigorously, both by lowering the amount of goods purchased and sometimes using violence and intimidation
“No taxation without representation!”

9. Virtual Representation
Parliament would say that they virtually represented the colonies because they wanted what was best for them

11. English Parliament would repeal the Stamp Act in but would also pass the Declaratory act which declared Parliament’s right to tax the colonies

12. Synthesis
How did the practice of Mercantilism impact the relationship between the colonies and England?

13. Classwork
Write a letter to Parliament protesting the stamp act. Use evidence from your notes to support your argument.

14. If you finish early
Trade papers with someone, read what they wrote and give them feedback
What did they do well?
Is there anything that you did not understand?