Why did England pass law specifically aimed at reducing dutch mercantile competitors?

Answer 1

The Navigation Act was passed because the Dutch had the biggest trading fleet of all Europe, and the exports and imports of many countries - including England - were largely realized with Dutch ships. England was keen on expanding its own merchant fleet and on getting a larger share in that business.England also did not like the idea of its being so dependent on Dutch ships for its trading activities.

Both considerations led to the Navigation Act which said that any goods going from or to any English harbour must from now on be transported with British ships or with ships from the country of origin or destination. As many European countries had no mechant fleet to speak of, this meant that England basically monopolized that trade. The British so in one stroke cut the Dutch out of the trade between itself and any other country, and forced an enormous boost to the size of their own merchant fleet.

The Navigation Act so damaged the Dutch economy that it was a major reason for the three later wars between England and the Dutch republic. But the Dutch could not get the Act repealed, not even when their Dutch Stadholder became King of England as William III.

Answer 2

In the 17th century, England passed laws like the Navigation Acts to limit Dutch mercantile competitors due to economic rivalry and competition for trade dominance. The laws aimed to bolster English shipping and trade by restricting Dutch access to English colonies and markets, ultimately aiming to protect and strengthen England's own economic interests.

Answer 3

The Navigation Act was passed because the Dutch had the biggest trading fleet of all Europe, and the exports and imports of many countries - including England - were largely realized with Dutch ships. England was keen on expanding its own merchant fleet and on getting a larger share in that business.England also did not like the idea of its being so dependent on Dutch ships for its trading activities.

Both considerations led to the Navigation Act which said that any goods going from or to any English harbour must from now on be transported with British ships or with ships from the country of origin or destination. As many European countries had no mechant fleet to speak of, this meant that England basically monopolized that trade. The British so in one stroke cut the Dutch out of the trade between itself and any other country, and forced an enormous boost to the size of their own merchant fleet.

The Navigation Act so damaged the Dutch economy that it was a major reason for the three later wars between England and the Dutch republic. But the Dutch could not get the Act repealed, not even when their Dutch Stadholder became King of England as William III.