Growth of the British Empire
Technology
In the 1730's sea travel became safer as there was better access to steel
Reliable sea clocks were also invented which improved navigation
Before the eighteenth century, sailors could only measure latitude
The industrial revolution
The Industrial Revolution kept trading frequent and Britain's wealth was increased.
Britain's wealth also helped it win many wars.
The British Economy grew steadily from 1688.
The Navy
The Navy developed better fighting instructions ( tactics ) to in naval battles.
The British Navy was probably the largest navy on Earth.
It captured many naval bases to restock and replenish supplies and the frigate was developed. This ship was used to protect the trading ships of Britain
The Slave Trade
The income generated by the selling of slaves increased Britain's wealth.
This also provided the British Army with soldiers to capture Canada and the West Indies.
The slave trade generated huge amounts of money for British ports such as Liverpool and Bristol.
Navigation Acts
The Navigation Acts stated that trade with British colonies could only be carried in British Ships.
This meant all profits go to the British Economy and this gave the money for sailors to establish more colonies and sailing posts.
In 1651, the government passed the Navigation Acts.
Trade
It instead gave charters to companies.
These companies that established trading posts, factories, forts and colonies, they also fought and defeated rival traders.
The government did not conquer the overseas empire.
France's Wars
This gave the British the upper hand so they expanded overseas.
France and Holland were at a series of wars in Europe.