Act of Navigation of 1651

The act was passed by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England led by Oliver Cromwell. The main point of the act was that it allowed foreing ships only bring the products of their own countries. The act was pretty much a straight attack against Netherlands.

What do you think were the reasons that led the parliament to pass this act and how you see that the act effected on England, Netherlands and the whole Europe in the period of 1650s in a policical and economical way? And how about after 1650s?

Originally posted by gcle2003 With regard to short-term local consequences the Act was certainly provocative to the Netherlands and helped lead to war between the Commonwealth and the Dutch. (As, eventually, succeeding acts in the same vein would help lead to the breakaway of the American colonies.)

Which is strange in itself, as the colonists were beneficiaries of the Acts.