Question

what economic system was designed to benefit the mother country by controlling colonial trade?

Answer 1

The economic system designed to benefit the mother country by controlling colonial trade is known as **mercantilism**. This theory and practice dominated European economic thought from the 16th to the 18th century. It emphasized the importance of a favorable balance of trade, where the mother country would export more than it imported.

In mercantilism, colonies were often viewed as sources of raw materials for the mother country and as markets for the mother country's manufactured goods. This system led to protective trade policies and regulations that restricted colonies from trading with other nations, thereby enhancing the economic interests of the mother country.