1. Economic Dependence: The American colonies were expected to serve as sources of raw materials and agricultural goods that would be shipped to Britain. The colonies were encouraged to produce commodities like cotton, tobacco, sugar, and furs, which would then be exported to the mother country.
2. Trade Restrictions: The colonies were required to trade primarily with Britain and its colonies, ensuring that the economic benefits remained within the empire. This was enforced through various regulations, such as the Navigation Acts, which restricted trade with non-British entities and imposed duties on imported goods.
3. Limited Manufacturing: To maintain Britain's economic dominance, the colonies were discouraged from developing their own manufacturing industries. The British wanted to prevent competition from the colonies in areas such as textiles, shipbuilding, and iron production.
4. Subordination to British Interests: The colonies were subordinate to British political, economic, and social interests. They had limited self-governance and were expected to adhere to the policies and decisions made by the British government and the mercantile system.
5. Provision of Resources: The colonies were expected to provide resources and manpower to support British military endeavors, such as providing soldiers, ships, and supplies for conflicts.
6. Source of Labor: The American colonies were seen as a source of cheap labor, including indentured servants and enslaved individuals. This labor force was essential for the development of plantations and the exploitation of natural resources.
7. Market for British Goods: The colonies were also expected to serve as a captive market for British manufactured goods. By limiting competition and promoting British products, the mercantilist system aimed to ensure the prosperity of British industries.
Overall, the American colonies were viewed as economic assets that were expected to contribute to the wealth, power, and self-sufficiency of the British Empire. These expectations, along with other grievances, eventually contributed to the tensions that led to the American Revolution and the colonists' desire for independence.