They were a succession of laws by the British to limit trade
of foreign ships for trade between any sea vessels with the exception of
England. It reflects the principles of
mercantilism where all the wealth is kept within the British Empire. Because of this, the colonies were limited as
to who they can trade with. Apart from that, it fueled resentment among the
colonists especially the merchants whose livelihood was affected by these
Acts. Eventually this helped fuel the
start of the American Revolution.
