Question

1. which statement best summarizes how mercantilism influenced trade between the colonies and their mother countries?

○ a) colonies exported more goods than they imported to help the mother country gain wealth.
○ b) colonies imported more goods from the mother country than they exported to grow local businesses.
○ c) colonies maintained equal amounts of exports and imports with the mother country to maintain a fair balance.
○ d) the colonies limited trade with the mother country to keep profits within their own economy.

Explanation:

Mercantilism's core idea was that a nation (mother country) should accumulate wealth (usually gold/silver) by having a favorable balance of trade (exports > imports). Colonies were used to export raw materials to the mother country and import finished goods, but the mother country aimed for the colonies to export more than they imported so the mother country gained wealth.

• Option A: Matches mercantilism—colonies export more to help mother country gain wealth (via favorable trade balance for mother country).
• Option B: Mercantilism didn’t aim to grow local colonial businesses; it exploited colonies, so this is wrong.
• Option C: Mercantilism sought imbalance (mother country benefits from colonies’ exports > imports), so equal trade is wrong.
• Option D: Colonies were restricted to trade mainly with mother country (not limit it) to ensure mother country’s wealth, so this is wrong.

Answer:

A) Colonies exported more goods than they imported to help the mother country gain wealth.