Transatlantic Trade and Mercantilism

European nations sought to increase power through colonies and transatlantic trade.
Triangular trade: a three-part route connecting North America, Africa, and Europe.
- New England to West Africa: rum for captive Africans.
- Middle Passage: Africans traded in the West Indies for sugarcane.
- Return to New England: sugar processed into rum.
Royal African Company initially monopolized English slave trade; later opened to New England merchants.

Mercantilism: a country's wealth determined by excess of exports over imports.
- Colonies existed to enrich the parent country by providing raw materials.
Navigation Acts (1650-1673): implemented mercantilist policies.
- Trade to/from colonies restricted to English or colonial ships with English/colonial crews.
- Imports to colonies (except perishables) had to pass through English ports.
- Enumerated goods from colonies could be exported to England only.

Mixed effects of Navigation Acts:
- Aided New England shipbuilding and provided Chesapeake tobacco a monopoly in England.
- Provided English military protection.
- Limited colonial economy due to restrictions on manufacturing and trade.
Trade with American Indians continued, leading to cultural exchanges.

England's lax enforcement of trade regulations due to:
- Distance, internal conflicts, and corrupt colonial agents.
England and its colonies were natural trading partners because of close economic and cultural ties.

In 1684, the crown revoked the charter of Massachusetts Bay due to smuggling.
James II created the Dominion of New England in 1686, combining several colonies under Governor Andros.
Andros's unpopular policies led to his downfall after the Glorious Revolution.

Mercantilist policies remained post-Glorious Revolution, but enforcement was inconsistent.
Salutary neglect and colonial resistance continued until 1763.
Trade regulation was a fundamental problem between colonists and England.