ABSTRACT
All through the latter half of the seventeenth century the protectionist doctrine was effectively preached by a galaxy of patriotic writers. Indeed it was popular among the classes and even among the masses; yet it did not immediately shape the economic policy of the State. Charles II was compelled by the nationalist party in Parliament to adopt a protectionist attitude towards foreign trade, but this did not become the confirmed policy of the State until after the Glorious Revolution. In the meantime a vigorous protectionist propaganda was carried on in England in the interests of the woollen and silk manufactures, and the Indian trade which was the ostensible rival of these manufactures became the target of virulent attacks, not only of those engaged in the industries concerned, but of the mercantilist enthusiasts who took up their cause. The result was a series of Parliamentary enactments mainly connected with Indian trade, which made protectionism the sheet anchor of English economic policy.
