Mercantilism is an economic theory and practice that emerged in Europe during the 16th to 18th centuries, emphasizing the importance of accumulating wealth, particularly gold and silver, through a favorable balance of trade. It advocates for government intervention in the economy to promote exports and restrict imports, thereby increasing national power and wealth. Mercantilist policies often included tariffs, subsidies, and monopolies to protect domestic industries. Overall, it views the global economy as a zero-sum game, where one nation's gain is another's loss.
The colonies became strong by keeping strict control over its trade that's how the belief in mercantilsim affect the colonies.
According to mercantilism, the colonies were required to engage in two general behaviors: (1) The colonies were locked into exclusive trade between the colonies and the metropole and were not allowed to trade with any other nation or colony. (2) No manufactures or complex goods could be made in the colonial territory. As a result the colonies would provide wealth to the metropole by trading their natural resources for less than they would be worth and by buying manufactures for much more money.