The first of the Navigation Acts was passed in 1651 and existed for almost two centuries to be fully repealed in 1849. The laws were designed to protect British economic interests in colonial trade and to protect its industry against the rapidly growing Dutch navigation trade. The law essentially dictated that British foreign trade was to be carried out only by English vessels. Favorably for American colonies, English referred to the nationality not the place of residence thus including colonial ships to conduct the trade. Additionally, a system of duties …