What practice allowed the British Crown to profit from the colonies?

The practice that allowed the British Crown to profit from the colonies is mercantilism. This economic theory was foundational in shaping colonial policies and trade relations during the 17th and 18th centuries. Mercantilism posited that a nation's wealth and power were best served by increasing exports and collecting precious metals in return.

Under mercantilism, British colonies were seen primarily as sources of raw materials and markets for finished goods. The colonies were required to trade exclusively with Britain, which controlled the flow of goods and ensured that wealth generated in the colonies benefited the British economy. This relationship was institutionalized through a series of navigation acts that restricted colonial trade, reinforcing the idea that the colonies existed primarily for the benefit of the mother country.

This system not only allowed the Crown to profit through tariffs and direct trade but also fostered a dependence that secured Britain's economic dominance during this period. The focus on mercantilism exemplifies how the economic practices of the time were intertwined with colonial policies, shaping the development of both British imperial power and colonial economies.