"According to the theory of the balance of trade, France has a quite simple means of doubling her capital at any moment. It suffices merely to pass its products through the customhouse, and then throw them into the sea. In that case the exports will equal the amount of her capital; imports will be nonexistent and even impossible, and we shall gain all that the ocean has swallowed up. "

Question

"According to the theory of the balance of trade, France has a quite simple means of doubling her capital at any moment. It suffices merely to pass its products through the customhouse, and then throw them into the sea. In that case the exports will equal the amount of her capital; imports will be nonexistent and even impossible, and we shall gain all that the ocean has swallowed up. "

In contrast to the prevailing view in 1845 of mercantilism, the author

A) wants France to throw its products out to sea.

B) wants France to gain all that the ocean has swallowed up.

C) believes mercantilism is the correct trading system for France.

D) believes mercantilism is similar to throwing away her products for little profit.

My answer is D am I right

Answer 1

Yes, you are correct. The answer is D) believes mercantilism is similar to throwing away her products for little profit.

In the given passage, the author criticizes the prevailing view in 1845 of mercantilism, a trading system that focuses on accumulating wealth through maintaining a positive balance of trade. The author uses a metaphorical example to argue that if France were to simply pass its products through the customhouse and throw them into the sea, imports would be nonexistent, exports would equal the amount of capital, and France would supposedly gain all that the ocean has swallowed up. By suggesting this absurd scenario, the author is implying that mercantilism is similar to throwing away the products for little profit, indicating a critique of the trading system.