British Board of Trade

The Board of Trade was an English governmental advisory body established in May 1696 by William III. It replaced the Lords of Trade and was responsible for overseeing colonial affairs. The board examined colonial legislation, recommended the disallowance of laws conflicting with imperial trade policies, and nominated governors for royal colonies.

Although it lacked executive or legislative powers, the Board of Trade became the primary agency for British government policy in its mercantilist efforts to make the American colonies profitable for the mother country. It managed colonial affairs until 1779 and was abolished three years later. The Board of Trade is also defined as a British governmental department concerned with commerce and industry.12