Mercantilism is the economic policy that a metropole should have a number of colonies that provide it material wealth, unrefined resources, and a market for its goods. As a result, 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.
In addition to the moneys that would come into Spain through the production of manufactures that would be sold to the colonies, the raw materials coming from the colonies were often very valuable in and of themselves. Vast amounts of gold and silver were mined from Mexico to Bolivia.
The three European countries that were interested in America were Spain, Great Britain, and France. They were interested because the wanted to increase their wealth and power.
Spain sought to expand it's empire to compete with other European countries such as Great Britain. the main objectives for Spain was to spread Catholicism and search for Gold to increase wealth. Many native peoples died over Spain's conquest of Latin America.
Spain sought to expand it's empire to compete with other European countries such as Great Britain. the main objectives for Spain was to spread Catholicism and search for Gold to increase wealth. Many native peoples died over Spain's conquest of Latin America.
increase the wealth of Spain
The theory of mercantilism developed in Europe during the 16th to 18th centuries. It was most prominent in countries like England, Spain, and France during the Age of Exploration and colonial expansion. Mercantilism emphasized the importance of accumulating wealth through a favorable balance of trade, maintaining a large supply of gold and silver, and promoting exports while limiting imports.
american colonies envied wealth and power from Spain.Spain had wealth other countries' colonies didnt
Spain sought to expand it's empire to compete with other European countries such as Great Britain. the main objectives for Spain was to spread Catholicism and search for Gold to increase wealth. Many native peoples died over Spain's conquest of Latin America.
Spain sought to expand it's empire to compete with other European countries such as Great Britain. the main objectives for Spain was to spread Catholicism and search for Gold to increase wealth. Many native peoples died over Spain's conquest of Latin America.
Wealth taken from the New World led to a vast increase in Spanish wealth. This allowed them to raise funds for a large military and increase their internal production.
Mercantilism primarily enriched European nation-states and their ruling elites during the 16th to 18th centuries. This economic policy emphasized the accumulation of wealth through trade surplus, colonial expansion, and the establishment of monopolies. Countries like Spain, England, and France benefited significantly, as they exploited colonies for resources and markets. Additionally, merchants and industrialists within these nations often gained substantial wealth and influence due to government support for their enterprises.
To increase its own wealth and powerSearch for new riches
To increase its own wealth and powerSearch for new riches