History of Merchant Shipping and Ancient Commerce, Vol. 2 of 4 (Classic Reprint)

Discover how 18th- and early 19th-century trade was shaped by blockades, licences, and daring routes.

In this volume, explore the rise of the licence system and how it expanded from about 4,900 licences in 1808 to over 18,000 by 1810, shaping who could move goods and how profits were made. It also examines the controversies and costs tied to this scheme, including corruption and disputes in Parliament.

Readers will see how blockades pushed goods through circuitous routes, boosted prices, and spurred smuggling networks, with examples of high freight charges, contraband deals, and enforcement challenges across Europe and overseas.

• How licences governed trade and the way their fees and rules grew over time
• How contraband and smuggling networks emerged to counter blockades
• The impact of blockades on prices, routes, and accessibility of goods
• Real-world examples of licence corruption, enforcement, and merchant responses

Ideal for readers of maritime history and economic policy.