During the Age of Exploration, mercantilist policies significantly impacted the development of colonies. The correct option regarding how these policies influenced colonial development is:
They restricted colonies from trading with other nations.
Mercantilism was an economic theory that emphasized the importance of accumulating wealth (especially gold and silver) through a favorable balance of trade. Colonial powers sought to control their colonies' trade and resources, often enacting laws that required colonies to trade exclusively with the home country. This meant that colonies had limited economic autonomy and were prevented from trading freely with other nations, which could have fostered independent economic growth. Instead, they were typically expected to supply raw materials to the mother country and purchase manufactured goods in return. This control played a significant role in shaping the economic structures and relationships within colonial settings.