Which sentence BEST describes the role of mercantilism in the growth of transatlantic trade during the 1600s?

European countries cooperated in the shipment and exchange of goods.

English settlements hoped to encourage commerce among the colonies.

Colonies along the coast grew wealthy through shipbuilding industries.

England wanted to expand its wealth through exports to the colonies.

I will check your answer.

I believe it is B

To find the answer to this question, we can analyze each of the given options and choose the one that best describes the role of mercantilism in the growth of transatlantic trade during the 1600s.

Option 1: European countries cooperated in the shipment and exchange of goods.
This option suggests that European countries worked together to facilitate the transportation and trade of goods across the Atlantic. While there was certainly trade between European countries and their colonies, this statement does not specifically address the role of mercantilism, which was an economic theory and policy that aimed to increase a nation's wealth through strict control of its trade and the accumulation of precious metals.

Option 2: English settlements hoped to encourage commerce among the colonies.
This option implies that English settlements in the Americas sought to promote trade and economic activity among the colonies. While this could have been a goal of English settlements, it does not directly address the role of mercantilism in transatlantic trade during the 1600s.

Option 3: Colonies along the coast grew wealthy through shipbuilding industries.
This option suggests that colonies along the coast became prosperous by developing shipbuilding industries. While shipbuilding was certainly an important industry, this statement does not specifically address the role of mercantilism in transatlantic trade.

Option 4: England wanted to expand its wealth through exports to the colonies.
This option states that England sought to increase its wealth by exporting goods to its colonies. This aligns with the principles of mercantilism, which emphasized exporting more than importing in order to accumulate wealth. Additionally, England did implement mercantilist policies that aimed to control and regulate trade with its colonies, such as the Navigation Acts.

Based on the explanations above, option 4, "England wanted to expand its wealth through exports to the colonies," is the sentence that best describes the role of mercantilism in the growth of transatlantic trade during the 1600s.