Britain hoped that by enforcing the Navigation Acts, they would weaken their rivals, especially the Spanish.
The Navigation Act of 1651, aimed mainly at the Dutch, imposed all trade between England and the colonies to be carried in English or colonial vessels, giving rise to the Anglo-Dutch War in 1652.
This Act constituted a long series of English laws that developed, promoted, and regulated English ships, shipping, trade, as well as trade between other countries and with its own colonies.