Question

Which of the following correctly analyzes the ways in which new systems of trade impacted the global economy?(1 point)
Responses

New economic ideas like mercantilism and capitalism enriched European economies.
New economic ideas like mercantilism and capitalism enriched European economies.

West African trading empires gained power as new resources became available.
West African trading empires gained power as new resources became available.

Silver mines contributed to the wealth of South American economies.
Silver mines contributed to the wealth of South American economies.

Chinese dynasties in Asia lost wealth from global trade.

Answer 1

Correct answer: New economic ideas like mercantilism and capitalism enriched European economies.

Why: Mercantilist policies and the rise of capitalism (merchant capitalism, joint‑stock companies, colonial trade) helped European states and merchants accumulate wealth and expand their economies.

Why the others are wrong:
- West African trading empires generally lost influence as Atlantic coastal trade and European-controlled networks shifted power.
- Silver mining (e.g., Potosí) primarily enriched European crowns and fed global silver flows (especially to Asia); it did not broadly enrich local South American populations.
- Chinese dynasties overall gained from global silver inflows and trade (especially Ming/Qing), rather than losing wealth.