Mercantilism and Its Impact on Colonial Trade

10 Questions

How was mercantilism implemented in the colonies?

The British strictly controlled trade between the colonies, only allowing goods to be imported and exported on British ships. The colonies could only trade with England, creating an economic dependence.

What impact did mercantilism have on trade between the colonies, Europe, and the rest of the world?

Mercantilism increased England’s economic power within Europe, allowing them to generate more revenue. It also created an economic dependence on England for the colonies.

What were the events and causes of the French and Indian War?

The French and Indian war was caused over land claims. Both France and England claimed land over the Ohio River Valley. France allied with the Native Americans, and the colonies took sides with the British.

How did the French and Indian War lead to the American Revolution?

The French and Indian war caused Britain to accumulate an incredible amount of debt. To pay this off, they taxed the colonies, claiming that they should help them pay it.

Explain the economic principle of mercantilism.

Mercantilism is the principle of increasing exports while decreasing imports, generating more revenue by selling more than buying.

How did the British implement mercantilism through trade control in the colonies?

The British strictly controlled trade between the colonies, allowing only goods to be imported and exported on British ships. The colonies could only trade with England, creating an economic dependence.

What was the economic impact of mercantilism on England within Europe?

Mercantilism increased England’s economic power within Europe, allowing them to generate more revenue and gain economic advantage.

What were the causes of the French and Indian War?

The French and Indian war was caused over land claims, specifically the disputed ownership of the Ohio River Valley.

How did the French and Indian War lead to financial strain on Britain?

The French and Indian war caused Britain to accumulate an incredible amount of debt, leading to financial strain.

Explain the trade restrictions imposed by the British on the colonies.

The British only allowed goods to be imported and exported on British ships, and the colonies could only trade with England, creating an economic dependence.

Study Notes

Mercantilism in the Colonies

Mercantilism was implemented in the colonies through trade control, where the British government regulated the flow of goods and money to and from the colonies.
The British government imposed trade restrictions, such as the Navigation Acts, to ensure that the colonies traded only with Britain and not with other European nations.

Impact of Mercantilism on Trade

Mercantilism led to a restrictive trade system, where the colonies were forced to export raw materials to Britain and import manufactured goods from Britain.
This system benefited Britain, as it accumulated wealth and gold, but limited the economic growth of the colonies.

The French and Indian War

The French and Indian War (1754-1763) was a conflict between the British and the French over control of the Ohio River Valley.
The war was sparked by the construction of Fort Duquesne by the French, which threatened British trade in the region.
The British ultimately emerged victorious, gaining control of most of North America.

The French and Indian War and the American Revolution

The French and Indian War led to a significant increase in British debt, which the British government sought to pay off by imposing taxes on the colonies.
The imposition of taxes, such as the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act, without the consent of the colonists, led to growing resentment and eventually contributed to the outbreak of the American Revolution.

Economic Principle of Mercantilism

Mercantilism is an economic principle that aims to maximize a country's wealth and power by controlling trade and accumulating gold and silver.
Mercantilists believe that a country's wealth is measured by the amount of gold and silver it possesses, and that trade should be regulated to ensure a surplus of exports over imports.

British Implementation of Mercantilism

The British government implemented mercantilism through trade control, such as the Navigation Acts, which restricted the colonies' ability to trade with other European nations.
The British also imposed tariffs and taxes on goods imported into the colonies, further restricting their ability to trade freely.

Economic Impact of Mercantilism on England

Mercantilism allowed England to accumulate wealth and gold, making it a powerful nation in Europe.
However, the restrictive trade system also limited the economic growth of the colonies, creating resentment and eventually contributing to the American Revolution.

Causes of the French and Indian War

The construction of Fort Duquesne by the French, which threatened British trade in the Ohio River Valley.
The desire of the British to expand their territory and gain control of the region.

Financial Strain on Britain

The French and Indian War led to a significant increase in British debt, which the British government struggled to pay off.
The debt led to the imposition of taxes on the colonies, which contributed to growing resentment and eventually the American Revolution.

Trade Restrictions Imposed by the British

The Navigation Acts, which restricted the colonies' ability to trade with other European nations.
Tariffs and taxes on goods imported into the colonies, limiting their ability to trade freely.
The Acts of Trade, which required the colonies to export certain goods, such as tobacco and sugar, to Britain.