In attempt to gain wealth and power, Great Britain started to enforce the theory of mercantilism. Their motive was to increase their prosperity using their colonies. They expected the colonies to provide them with goods and to only buy British goods in return. As a result of this attempt, the colonies were actually the ones who were benefiting from mercantilism the most. The colonies benefited economically, socially, and politically. Due to the Navigation Laws, the English were restricted only to trade with England, which lead the colonists to smuggling for profits. Americans enjoyed the rights of pure Englishmen. The colonists gained opportunities to form self-governments.
Due to the Navigation Laws, the English were restricted only to trade with England, which lead the colonists to smuggling for profits. Great Britain did not want the colonies competing with the English industry. Before the Navigation Laws, the colonies were under "salutary neglect" and England was not aware of what the colonies were doing to earn their money. The colonists felt that only being able to trade with England was holding them back. Many found ways to get around the laws by smuggling their exports to foreign countries and earned a great fortune. .
In order to control foreign markets sea power was necessary. Britain expected the colonies to provide ships, ships" stores, sailors, and trade to guarantee their naval supremacy. Colonists earned direct benefits from supporting Britain's Navy. England paid them bounties and price supports for their help. American planters also profited by trade with England through their monopoly over the tobacco market in Britain. .
American colonists enjoyed the pure rights if Englishmen. England gave unity to its policies and was working to help the welfare of the whole empire.