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Mercantilism

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Mercantilism is a collection of governmental policies that are designed to regulate economic activity for the state or country. In the 17th and 18th century, a country’s power was measured by it’s wealth, more specifically their gold supply. Resources were scarce and trade had a limit. From 1600-1800 many different economic policies and institutions strove to enrich the state.
In france, King Louis XIV’s chief master, Colbert, became a leading patron in mercantilism. Colbert recommended a balance of trade for France. His goal was to make France self-sufficient because he believed that trade let to problems within nations. He used state and support from existing and new industries to achieve the self-sufficiency. For example, Colbert granted privileges to luxury industries to encourage growth, and he granted special privileges to foreign craftsmen willing to move to France. In order to improve the communication and transportation of trade, Colbert undertook work projects in France. He also placed high tariffs on imported goods in order to reduce competition. He also created a powerful merchant marine for transporting French goods.
The British relied highly on their colonial empire to promote economic growth within the restrictions of mercantilist thought. The Navigation Acts was established in 1651 and remained in act until 1786. In Britain, Merchants and shipowners a monopoly on trade with their colonies. Colonists had to use british ships for their goods and were expected to buy their European goods from Britain in order to provide them with profit. The main target of The Navigation Acts were the Dutch.
In the Netherlands they had different policies than in Britain And France. The Dutch East India Company was established in 1602 in order to exploit the riches in Asia gained in order to cause harm to Portugal. Colonies were established in North America but were

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