What was the primary reason Parliament passed these acts? (1 point)
a.To promote the growth of cottage industries in the colonies
b.To recover the cost of defending the colonies
c.To encourage foreign trade with the colonies
d.To fund the establishment of new colonies
b. To recover the cost of defending the colonies
The primary reason Parliament passed these acts was b.To recover the cost of defending the colonies.
To determine the primary reason Parliament passed these acts, we can analyze each option individually.
a. To promote the growth of cottage industries in the colonies: This option suggests that Parliament passed the acts to support and foster the development of small-scale manufacturing and production within the colonies. However, if the primary goal was to promote the growth of cottage industries, there might have been more direct and targeted policies implemented.
b. To recover the cost of defending the colonies: This option implies that Parliament passed the acts to recoup the expenses incurred for defending and protecting the colonies. The British government had incurred significant costs in military operations during conflicts like the French and Indian War, and it sought ways to offset those expenses.
c. To encourage foreign trade with the colonies: This option posits that Parliament passed the acts to facilitate and expand trade between the colonies and other countries. Trade was an essential aspect of the British Empire's economic policy, and Parliament may have enacted these acts to drive commerce and increase revenue through trade-related taxes and regulations.
d. To fund the establishment of new colonies: This option suggests that Parliament passed the acts to finance the establishment of new colonies. Although the British Empire was expanding during that time, there were other sources of funding available for colonial ventures, such as private investors or joint-stock companies.
Considering these options, the most likely answer would be b. To recover the cost of defending the colonies. The acts, such as the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act, were primarily implemented to impose taxes and generate revenue that would help cover the expenses tied to defending and maintaining British interests in the colonies.