a national economic policy designed to maximize the trade of a nation

Mercantilism is a national economic policy designed to maximize the trade of a nation and, historically, to maximize the accumulation of gold and silver.

the economic doctrine in which government control of foreign trade is of utmost importance for ensuring the prosperity and military safety of the state

Mercantilism is the economic doctrine in which government control of foreign trade is of utmost importance for ensuring the prosperity and military safety of the state.

an economic theory that developed circa 16th century and was a widespread practice through the 18th century

Mercantilism Definition for Kids Mercantilism is an economic theory that developed circa 16th century and was a widespread practice through the 18th century.

an economic theory, considered to be a form of economic nationalism,[1] that holds that the prosperity of a nation is dependent upon a nation's supply of capital, and that the global volume of international trade is “unchangeable”

“Mercantilism is an economic theory, considered to be a form of economic nationalism,[1] that holds that the prosperity of a nation is dependent upon a nation's supply of capital, and that the global volume of international trade is “unchangeable”.

an economic theory that advocates government regulation of international trade to generate wealth and strengthen national power

Mercantilism is an economic theory that advocates government regulation of international trade to generate wealth and strengthen national power.

an economic theory practice, commonly used in Britain, France and other major European nations from the 16th to the 18th century that promoted governmental regulation of a nation's economy for the purpose of augmenting state power at the expense of rival national powers

Mercantilism is an economic theory practice, commonly used in Britain, France and other major European nations from the 16th to the 18th century that promoted governmental regulation of a nation's economy for the purpose of augmenting state power at the expense of rival national powers.