What was the central belief of Mercantilism?

The central belief of Mercantilism is that a nation's power is directly linked to its wealth. During the Mercantilist period, which primarily occurred in the 16th to 18th centuries, economies aimed to increase their riches, particularly gold and silver. This economic theory emphasized that a favorable balance of trade, achieved by exporting more than importing, would enhance a country's wealth and, in turn, its power on the global stage. Wealth was seen as a means to strengthen a nation’s military and expand its influence, solidifying the idea that economic strength equates to national power.

This perspective shaped not only trade policies but also colonial expansion, as nations sought to acquire resources and markets that would contribute to their wealth, reinforcing their dominance.