Smuggling started in the reign of Edward I (late 13th century) when a Customs duty was placed on the export of wool, which was in great demand in Europe. The initial duties were small, but as the Hundred Years War progressed in the 14th century, so the tax increased in order to fund troops and further fighting.

Why did smuggling increase in the 1700s?

As more and more goods were taxed in the 18th century, smuggling activity increased as people wanted greater access to cheaper goods. ... This was because smuggling was a social crime- people benefitted from the cheaper goods smuggled and so did not see it as wrongdoing, they even viewed smugglers as heroes in some areas.

Why did people start smuggling goods?

British merchants wanted American colonists to buy British goods, not French, Spanish, or Dutch products. ... Smuggling is the way the colonists ignored these restrictions. Distance and the size of the British Empire worked to colonial advantage.