Question

exploration and colonization
trade and profit
elaborate
you’ve learned how european powers used trade and economic systems to control their colonies and build wealth. in this activity, you’ll analyze a political cartoon that was published in a 1940 history book in a chapter about the colonies and mercantilism. the image shows how some people viewed the purpose of colonial trade and what the mother country gained from it.
examine the cartoon titled the mercantilist argument for colonial expansion. then, respond to the discussion questions below to explain the meaning of the cartoon and how it connects to the system of mercantilism.

cartoon: the mercantilist argument for colonial expansion (shows \mother country\ seated, three \colony\ figures serving trays labeled \gold & silver\, \foodstuffs\,
aw materials\)

how does the cartoon represent the relationship between the colonies and the mother country under the system of mercantilism?

Explanation:

The cartoon shows the "Mother Country" being served by "Colony" figures with goods like gold, silver, foodstuffs, and raw materials. In mercantilism, colonies existed to supply the mother country with resources (raw materials, precious metals, agricultural products) and serve as markets for mother - country goods. The colonies are depicted as providers (waitstaff) of valuable resources to the mother country, representing the mercantilist relationship where colonies were economically exploited to enrich the mother country. The mother country benefits from the colonies' resources, while the colonies' role is to support the mother country's wealth - building, which is a core aspect of mercantilism (mother countries sought to accumulate wealth through colonial trade, with colonies as resource providers and captive markets).

Answer:

The cartoon represents the mercantilist relationship as one where the colonies exist to serve the mother country. The “Colony” figures act as waitstaff, providing the “Mother Country” with valuable resources (gold & silver, foodstuffs, raw materials). This reflects mercantilism’s core idea: colonies were economically exploited to supply the mother country with resources (for wealth accumulation) and function as markets for mother - country goods, with the mother country benefiting from the colonies’ resources while the colonies’ role was to support the mother country’s economic growth.