How did Mercantilism contribute to the American Revolution?

a. It created the means of cultural diffusion in the New World
b. It made the colonies economically independent
c.It brought together the French, English, and Spanish influences on one continent
d. It increased the crown's need for gold and silver

I think the answer is A, any help would be greatly appreciated!

What does cultural diffusion have to do with the American Revolution?

Well, I got it from how the colony system that was set up, it put the english people in North America. Yeah now that i think about it, it doesn't make much sense.

My second choice would probably be B, but I cannot say Im positive on that. My textbook did mention the French, English, and Spanish having different experiences from the "American Experience", but I do not believe that ties in with the question

I like D. The colonists revolted because the British were taxing them so heavily. They thought it was unfair that they had no voice in their taxes. Remember, "Taxation without representation"?

Yes it did mention that in the book! I understand now, thank you very much for the help!

You're very welcome.

Was D correct?!?! I was really confused about this...

It was A.

Actually, the correct answer is d. Mercantilism contributed to the American Revolution by increasing the crown's need for gold and silver. Let me explain how I arrived at this answer.

Mercantilism was an economic system that was prevalent during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was based on the belief that a nation's wealth and power were determined by its ability to accumulate precious metals, such as gold and silver. In line with this belief, mercantilist policies advocated for a favorable balance of trade, where a country exported more than it imported, resulting in a surplus of gold and silver.

In the context of the American colonies, mercantilism played a significant role. The British government imposed several trade restrictions and regulations on the colonies to ensure that they served as a source of raw materials and a market for finished goods for the British Empire. These measures included acts like the Navigation Acts, which restricted colonial trade to only British ships and limited exports to only British markets.

These policies were designed to benefit the British economy by securing a steady flow of resources and wealth from the colonies. As a result, the colonies ended up being heavily dependent on British markets for their exports while simultaneously being restricted in their ability to trade with other nations.

Over time, the British government's pursuit of mercantilist policies led to increased tensions between the colonies and the crown. The American colonists grew frustrated with the restrictive trade regulations that hindered their economic growth and limited their prosperity. They started to question the legitimacy of British control over their economic affairs and sought greater economic independence.

The crown's emphasis on accumulating gold and silver through mercantilist policies ultimately contributed to the American Revolution. The desire for economic freedom and a fairer trade relationship with other nations became one of the key driving forces that led to the colonists' rebellion against British rule.

In summary, mercantilism contributed to the American Revolution by increasing the crown's need for gold and silver and by imposing restrictive trade regulations on the colonies. This led to the dissatisfaction of the colonists, who sought greater economic independence, ultimately culminating in the fight for freedom and the birth of the United States.