Mercantilism, Regulations and Greed - Josh

When anyone lets the want of more things become their main focus, conflict usually ensues. Greed produces problems that are not easily fixed. In early colonial America, the greediness of the English government and some traders caused the smuggling of goods. This smuggling created a conflict to arise between colonists and English government. Eventually greed led to mercantilism, regulations on trade, and financial gain in smuggling.

A want for money and power led to mercantilism and ultimately large scale smuggling. The theory of mercantilism states that trade cannot increase or decrease, and that there is a set level of global commerce. Thus a government should seek to obtain as much gold as possible, and that it should excel in exporting and try to import as little as possible. These ideas all revolve around a want for money. England wanted to be the largest player on the global stage, and to do this they had to control import and exports through their government. Americans were not happy with this doctrine, because it raised prices. Eventually mercantilism caused England to several acts that narrowed trade.

Several navigation acts were passed to restrict many foreign imports to America and bring more money to England. These navigation acts also meant that the Americans were forced to receive their goods from English traders. The English were able to further mercantilism by putting harsh limits on what other countries could import to America. A want of more money and power caused the English government to ignore their people and focus on their own gain.

Mercantilist ideals and harsh regulations of the English government eventually made smuggling financially profitable. Traders began to see that a large profit could be made if they went outside of the government. Some merchants were able to sell goods for twenty percent less than what the government sanctioned traders were charging. The English government started passing laws to restrict trade even further in attempt to curb smuggling. A mindset of greediness was most important to both sides. Smugglers disobeyed the law in order to make a profit, and the English government ignored its people in a quest for money and power.

Mercantilism, regulations, and profit all led to colonial smuggling, but all of those sprung from greed. Wealth and prestige on a global stage were put on a pedestal before the welfare of the people and obedience to the government. Greed can be extremely destructive when not held in check. When it is not, chaos and conflict ensues.

-- Josh (grade 10)