A new economic system that would dominate economic relations between Europe and the Americas developed during the sixteenth century. Which statement correctly states how this economic system affected British colonization in the Americas?
A.
Mercantilism motivated the British to found colonies to create better trade relationships with other countries.
B.
Free enterprise motivated the British to found colonies to create more competition for their domestic businesses.
C.
Mercantilism motivated the British to found colonies to acquire raw materials for manufactured goods.
D.
Free enterprise motivated the British to found colonies to provide better opportunities for their entrepreneurs.
C. Mercantilism motivated the British to found colonies to acquire raw materials for manufactured goods.
C. Mercantilism motivated the British to found colonies to acquire raw materials for manufactured goods.
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand the key economic system that emerged during the sixteenth century. This economic system was known as mercantilism. Mercantilism was a system in which European countries sought to accumulate wealth by establishing colonies and exploiting their resources.
Now let's analyze the given statements:
A. Mercantilism motivated the British to found colonies to create better trade relationships with other countries.
This statement is incorrect. While mercantilism did involve trade relationships, its main objective was to accumulate wealth through the acquisition of resources and the establishment of a favorable trade balance.
B. Free enterprise motivated the British to found colonies to create more competition for their domestic businesses.
This statement is incorrect. Free enterprise primarily refers to the system where private individuals or businesses have the freedom to engage in economic activities based on supply and demand. It was not the primary motivation for British colonization in the Americas during the sixteenth century.
C. Mercantilism motivated the British to found colonies to acquire raw materials for manufactured goods.
This statement is correct. Mercantilism greatly influenced British colonization in the Americas as the British aimed to acquire raw materials such as timber, tobacco, sugar, and other resources that could be used in the production of manufactured goods back in Europe.
D. Free enterprise motivated the British to found colonies to provide better opportunities for their entrepreneurs.
This statement is incorrect. While entrepreneurs may have seen opportunities in colonization, it was not the primary motivation for British colonization in the Americas during the sixteenth century.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. Mercantilism motivated the British to found colonies to acquire raw materials for manufactured goods.