What purpose would the British Parliament have in passing the Navigation Act?

Answer 1

The British Parliament passed the Navigation Acts with the purpose of regulating colonial trade and strengthening England's mercantilist policies. The acts aimed to ensure that the majority of colonial trade was conducted with England and on English ships. It required all goods transported to and from the colonies to be carried only on English ships or ships belonging to the country it originated or was destined for. These acts also restricted colonial trade with countries other than Britain, aimed to reduce foreign competition, and promoted English economic interests. Overall, the main purpose of the Navigation Act was to increase England's control over colonial trade and maintain its dominance in the transatlantic trade.