Mercantilism in History
Explore the economic theory of mercantilism, its principles, and its impact on colonial empires and global trade in this Grade 6 social studies worksheet.
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Mercantilism: An Economic System
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Use complete sentences for short answer questions.
Mercantilism was a popular economic theory and practice during the 16th to 18th centuries in Europe. It was based on the idea that a nation's wealth and power were best increased by increasing exports and decreasing imports. This often involved establishing colonies to provide raw materials and serve as markets for finished goods.
1. What was the main goal of mercantilism?
To promote free trade among all nations
To increase a nation's wealth and power
To encourage colonies to become independent
To share resources equally with other countries
2. Under mercantilism, colonies were primarily used to provide:
Military support to the mother country
Raw materials and markets for finished goods
New technologies and inventions
Cultural exchange and diplomacy
3. Mercantilism aimed to increase a nation's exports and its imports.
4. Under mercantilism, the mother country often controlled the of its colonies.
5. Mercantilism encouraged colonies to trade freely with all countries.
True
False
6. A key principle of mercantilism was to accumulate as much gold and silver as possible.
True
False
7. Explain one way mercantilism benefited the mother country.
8. Describe one negative impact of mercantilism on colonies.
Use the words below to complete the sentences.
9. Mercantilism encouraged nations to increase their and decrease their .
10. European powers established to acquire cheap and new markets.