The Navigation Laws.

The article presents an exploration into the commercial policies of Great Britain during the 17th and 18th centuries regarding the shipping trade in the North American colonies. Introductory details are given highlighting the British protectiveness of the colonial assets from their initial founding in the early 17th century. Several navigation laws enacted and enforced throughout the colonies are described, including the Navigation Ordinance of 1651, the Navigation Acts of King Charles II, and the Molasses Act of King George II. Further discussion is given examining the impact and reasoning behind each law as well as citing its contributions to the unrest which would eventually lead to the U.S. Revolutionary War.