Question

Which of these had the BIGGEST and EARLIEST impact on the system of mercantilism that developed in the 1600s?(1 point)
Responses

colonization of the Americas
colonization of the Americas

the development of the steam engine
the development of the steam engine

American revolutions
American revolutions

the development of the cotton gin

Answer 1

The event that had the BIGGEST and EARLIEST impact on the system of mercantilism that developed in the 1600s is the **colonization of the Americas**. This process significantly contributed to the mercantilist system by providing European powers with new resources, wealth, and trade opportunities, which were central to the mercantilist economic theory of accumulating wealth through a balance of trade and control over colonies. The other events listed occurred later and are not as directly tied to the early development of mercantilism.