Which best describes the role of mercantilism during the 1600s?

European countries wanted to expand their wealth by exporting raw materials from colonies.

European countries wanted to expand their wealth by taxing colonists and native peoples.

European colonies in South America grew wealthy by seizing gold from native tribes.

European colonies in North America grew wealthy through lucrative shipbuilding industries.

The correct answer is A) European countries wanted to expand their wealth by exporting raw materials from colonies.

The statement that best describes the role of mercantilism during the 1600s is "European countries wanted to expand their wealth by exporting raw materials from colonies."

In colonial times, the English government implemented the mercantilist system that authorized the British monarchy to exploit the raw materials and natural resources that were abundant in North America territory. That was a way the monarchies exerted its dominion-political and economic - overt its colonies.

Mercantilism is the idea that trade generates wealth. So this meant European countries wanted to expand their wealth by exporting raw materials from the colonies.