In what context is the term 'Navigation Acts of 1651' primarily discussed?

The term 'Navigation Acts of 1651' is primarily discussed in the context of economic restrictions. These acts were a series of laws that aimed to regulate colonial trade and enable England to collect taxes from the colonies. By mandating that certain goods produced in the colonies could only be shipped to England or English colonies, the Navigation Acts sought to boost the English economy and exert control over colonial trade. This economic strategy was linked to mercantilism, an economic theory that emphasized the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and limiting imports while maximizing exports. Therefore, understanding the Navigation Acts highlights the economic motivations behind colonial policies during that period and their impact on trade relationships between England and its colonies.