Navigation Act (1696)

Introduction

Passed in 1696, the Navigation Act reinforced British control over colonial trade by establishing customs offices, admiralty courts, and a permanent Board of Trade. It responded to widespread smuggling and noncompliance with earlier Navigation Acts, marking a shift toward active imperial enforcement.

Core Provisions

• Created a Board of Trade and Plantations to oversee colonial commerce
• Appointed customs commissioners in colonial ports
• Established vice-admiralty courts without juries
• Empowered officials to search and seize goods and vessels
• Required colonial governors to enforce trade laws

Impact and Legacy

The act increased imperial oversight, curtailed colonial autonomy, and laid the foundation for future trade enforcement. Its use of juryless courts became a major grievance in the American Revolution.

Sources:
Unizin – Primary Sources: Navigation Acts
AmericanRevolution.org – Navigation Acts Summary
American History Central – Navigation Acts Overview