How did mercantilist policies affect the push for independence?

Mercantilist policies significantly contributed to the push for independence by fostering economic dissatisfaction and a desire for self-rule.

Mercantilism, a prevalent economic theory in the 16th to 18th centuries, was based on the belief that a nation's wealth was determined by its stock of precious metals, primarily gold and silver. To increase this wealth, nations sought to maintain a favourable balance of trade, exporting more than they imported. This led to the implementation of mercantilist policies, which often involved the establishment of colonies to provide raw materials and serve as markets for the mother country's goods.

In the context of the American colonies, these policies were implemented by the British government in the form of various acts and regulations. The Navigation Acts, for instance, required that all goods imported into the colonies be carried on English ships and that certain 'enumerated' goods could only be exported to England or its colonies. This restricted the colonies' trade with other nations and often forced them to sell their goods at lower prices and buy English goods at higher prices. Similarly, the Molasses Act imposed high tariffs on sugar imported from the French West Indies, making it more expensive for the colonists.

These policies led to widespread economic dissatisfaction among the colonists. They felt that their economic freedom was being curtailed and that they were being exploited for the benefit of England. This dissatisfaction was further exacerbated by the fact that the colonists had no representation in the English Parliament, which was responsible for implementing these policies. This led to the rallying cry of 'no taxation without representation', which became a major driving force behind the push for independence.

Moreover, the mercantilist policies also fostered a desire for self-rule among the colonists. They began to realise that they could manage their own economic affairs more effectively if they were free from English control. They saw the potential for economic prosperity if they could trade freely with other nations and make their own decisions about the production and distribution of goods. This desire for economic self-determination was a key factor in the growing demand for independence.

In conclusion, mercantilist policies played a significant role in the push for independence. They created economic dissatisfaction and a desire for self-rule among the colonists, which ultimately led to the American Revolution and the establishment of an independent United States.