How Mercantilism Shaped the American Colonies

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This engaging educational video explores the economic theory of mercantilism and its profound impact on the development of the American colonies. Through a mix of humor, historical dramatizations, and clear animated graphics, the video breaks down complex economic concepts like balance of trade, protectionism, and the Navigation Acts. It explains how England's desire for wealth and power shaped colonial life, trade restrictions, and regional economies. The content details the specific roles of the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies within the British Empire, illustrating how geography dictated economic specialization. It visualizes the Triangular Trade routes and the flow of raw materials, manufactured goods, and enslaved people. The video also critically examines the social consequences of this system, presenting a pyramid of colonial social order that places the wealthy gentry at the top and enslaved and indentured populations at the bottom. Teachers can use this video to introduce the economic motivations behind colonization or to bridge the gap between early settlement and the rising tensions that led to the American Revolution. The video includes built-in pause points for note-taking and guiding questions, making it an excellent tool for interactive classroom viewing or independent study. It effectively connects economic policy to social structures, helping students understand how money and power dictated the lives of early Americans.