Navigation Act (1660)

Introduction

Passed in December 1660 by the Parliament of England, the Navigation Act was a cornerstone of British mercantilist policy. It aimed to consolidate England’s control over colonial trade, eliminate foreign competition—especially Dutch merchants—and strengthen the empire’s maritime power. The Act formalized earlier Commonwealth-era restrictions and became the foundation for a series of trade laws known collectively as the Navigation Acts.

Core Provisions

• Shipping Restrictions: All goods imported to or exported from English colonies had to be carried on ships that were:
  • Owned by English subjects
  • Crewed by at least 75% English sailors
• Enumerated Commodities: Certain colonial goods—such as sugar, tobacco, cotton, indigo, and ginger—could only be shipped to England or other English colonies.
• Foreign Merchants Barred: Non-English merchants were prohibited from trading directly with English colonies.
• Customs Enforcement: Violations resulted in forfeiture of goods and ships, and customs agents were empowered to enforce the law.

Impact and Legacy

• The Act imposed economic control over colonial markets, forcing colonists to sell high-demand goods only to England.
• It led to widespread smuggling and resistance, especially in port cities like Boston and Charleston.
• It laid the groundwork for colonial grievances that would culminate in the American Revolution.
• Enforcement was inconsistent until the 18th century, when tighter controls provoked greater unrest.

The Navigation Act of 1660 was followed by additional statutes in 1663, 1673, and 1696, each expanding England’s regulatory reach over colonial commerce.

Conclusion

The Navigation Act of 1660 was a defining moment in the evolution of imperial trade policy. By restricting colonial commerce to English ships and markets, it advanced the goals of mercantilism while sowing the seeds of colonial resistance. Its legacy endures in the economic and political tensions that shaped the path to American independence.

Sources:
Open Anthology – Navigation Act of 1660
American Revolution Central – Navigation Acts
Encyclopedia Britannica – Navigation Acts