What legislation restricted shipping and trade within the British Empire to only British ships?

The Navigation Acts of 1651 were a series of laws that established important regulations regarding trade and maritime activities within the British Empire. These acts were designed to ensure that shipping and trade were conducted exclusively using British vessels, particularly for goods that were produced in the colonies and intended for export. The main goal was to enhance the economic strength of England by controlling trade routes and reducing competition from foreign ships.

By restricting trade to British ships, these laws aimed to generate revenue for England and provide a means for colonial goods to reach market more effectively while also limiting the colonies' economic independence. This legislation laid the foundation for the mercantilist policies that dominated the relationship between the colonies and Britain, significantly influencing how trade was conducted in the empire for many years. This understanding helps clarify why the Navigation Acts of 1651 are the correct answer related to the question about the restriction of shipping and trade.