Question

1. how did the system of mercantilism influence the economies of european colonies?

○ a) it encouraged colonies to develop diverse industries and reduce dependence on europe.
○ b) it encouraged colonies to use enslaved labor to meet the demand for raw materials in europe.
○ c) it promoted fair trade agreements that limited the use of enslaved labor.
○ d) it helped colonies become self-sufficient and independent of europe.

Explanation:

Mercantilism was an economic system where colonies existed to benefit the mother country. Colonies were expected to provide raw materials to Europe. To meet the demand for raw materials (like in plantation economies), enslaved labor was often used as it was cheap and could work on large - scale production of cash crops. Option A is wrong because mercantilism wanted colonies to be dependent on Europe, not diverse and independent. Option C is wrong as mercantilism didn't promote fair trade or limit enslaved labor; in fact, it often relied on it. Option D is wrong as mercantilism was about the colony serving the mother country, not becoming self - sufficient and independent.

Answer:

B) It encouraged colonies to use enslaved labor to meet the demand for raw materials in Europe.