What does the excerpt demonstrate about the mercantile relationship between European nations and their colonies?

A.
European monarchs started colonies in places with goods and resources that appealed to their interests.

B.
European powers restricted trade to secure access to colonial resources and to control colonial markets.

C.
European officials imposed laws on the colonies intended to attract the most skilled and productive workers.

D.
European companies only invested money in those colonies with sufficient legal protections to secure their wealth.

To determine the answer, we need to analyze the given excerpt and look for clues that demonstrate the mercantile relationship between European nations and their colonies. It's important to carefully read and understand the options presented.

Option A suggests that European monarchs started colonies in places with goods and resources that appealed to their interests. However, the excerpt does not provide any information that directly supports this claim.

Option B suggests that European powers restricted trade to secure access to colonial resources and to control colonial markets. This option aligns with the concept of mercantilism, where European nations sought to maximize their economic power by controlling trade with their colonies. This is a possible answer that should be considered.

Option C suggests that European officials imposed laws on the colonies intended to attract the most skilled and productive workers. There is no evidence in the excerpt to support this claim.

Option D suggests that European companies only invested money in those colonies with sufficient legal protections to secure their wealth. The excerpt does not mention anything about legal protections for European companies or their investments.

Based on our analysis, the best option that aligns with the given excerpt is B. European powers restricting trade to secure access to colonial resources and to control colonial markets demonstrates the mercantile relationship between European nations and their colonies.