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mercantilism
[mur-kuhn-ti-liz-uhm, -tee-, -tahy-]
mercantilism
/ ˈɜːəԳɪˌɪə /
noun
Also called: mercantile system.economics a theory prevalent in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries asserting that the wealth of a nation depends on its possession of precious metals and therefore that the government of a nation must maximize the foreign trade surplus, and foster national commercial interests, a merchant marine, the establishment of colonies, etc
a rare word for commercialism
mercantilism
An economic doctrine that flourished in Europe from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries. Mercantilists held that a nation's wealth consisted primarily in the amount of gold and silver in its treasury. Accordingly, mercantilist governments imposed extensive restrictions on their economies to ensure a surplus of exports over imports. In the eighteenth century, mercantilism was challenged by the doctrine of laissez-faire. (See also Adam Smith.)
Other Word Forms
- mercantilist noun
- mercantilistic adjective
- ˈˌپ noun
Word History and Origins
Origin of mercantilism1
Example Sentences
His was a prospect of a breezy, pragmatic mercantilism where nations did business deals to their mutual benefit, a world where profit can bring peace.
“The advent of sailing ships led to mercantilism, and shaped capitalism.”
When the decisive vote came in April, Madison attributed his defeat to “the exertions and influence of Aristocracy, Anglicism, and mercantilism” led by “the Banks, the British Merchts., the insurance Comps.”
It believes the only way to woo White working-class voters is to engage in a set of Trump-lite economic policies — chiefly protectionism and mercantilism.
China has apparently demonstrated that mercantilism can be an effective economic strategy.
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