"Colonies are a strength to their mother kingdom, but only so long as they are kept under the government and direction of their mother kingdom, and so long as their trade is strictly confined to the mother kingdom. If they are permitted to set up manufactures that compete with those of the mother kingdom, or if they are allowed to trade directly with foreign states, they cease to be beneficial and instead become dangerous rivals..."
—Adapted from Charles Davenant, Discourses on the Publick Revenues, and on the Trade of England, 1698
Which of the following historical developments in the British North American colonies from 1607 to 1754 best represents a direct challenge to the economic philosophy expressed in the excerpt?
- AThe specialization of New England communities in large-scale tobacco cultivation to compete directly with English domestic agricultural production.
- BThe passage of local laws by Southern colonial assemblies to grant land ownership to enslaved laborers after a fixed term of service.
- The widespread smuggling of molasses and other goods from French and Dutch Caribbean islands by New England merchants.Answer
- DThe petitioning of the Crown by colonial merchants to abolish all trade regulations in favor of a system of free-market capitalism.
Answer
The widespread smuggling of molasses and other goods from French and Dutch Caribbean islands by New England merchants.
The correct answer is correct because British mercantilist laws, such as the Navigation Acts, sought to establish a favorable balance of trade by forcing the colonies to trade exclusively with England or other British colonies. The smuggling of molasses and sugar from the French and Dutch West Indies by New England merchants directly bypassed these regulations, asserting economic independence and challenging the imperial monopoly.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The conflict between British mercantilist policies and colonial trade practices, leading to widespread smuggling.