how did mercantilism affect different cultures?
You need to consider the colonial powers and their colonies.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercantilism
http://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/Mercantilism.html
influence of media on society
Mercantilism was an economic and political system that dominated European trade and colonial policies from the 16th to the 18th century. The effects of mercantilism varied across different cultures, depending on their involvement in the global economy and their relationships with colonial powers.
To understand the impact of mercantilism on different cultures, we need to consider the following points:
1. Colonialism and exploitation: Mercantilism promoted colonial expansion and exploitation of resources. European powers established colonies in various parts of the world to extract raw materials, such as gold, silver, spices, and crops. Native populations were often subjugated and forced into labor, leading to significant social and cultural disruptions.
2. Trade imbalances: Mercantilism aimed to increase a nation's wealth by maximizing exports and minimizing imports. European powers implemented policies like tariffs, subsidies, and monopolies to control trade. This often resulted in imbalanced trade relationships with colonies, where colonies were forced to export raw materials and import finished goods. This imbalance affected local industries and hindered the development of domestic manufacturing and trade in some cultures.
3. Cultural diffusion: Mercantilism facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between different regions. The European powers established trading posts, ports, and routes connecting various parts of the world, leading to the exchange of products, technologies, and even languages. This cultural diffusion influenced cuisine, fashion, art, and language in indigenous cultures and introduced new ideas and practices.
4. Economic transformation: Mercantilism spurred economic growth and development in certain cultures. Some colonies, such as those in North America, thrived economically due to the exploitation of local resources. Industries like shipbuilding, agriculture, and mining flourished in these areas. However, this economic growth was often to the benefit of the colonial powers rather than the local populations.
5. Resistance and independence movements: The exploitative nature of mercantilism led to resistance and independence movements in many cultures. The desire for self-governance and control over resources fueled uprisings and struggles against colonial powers. These movements played a crucial role in shaping the future of these cultures and challenging the dominance of mercantilism.
To fully understand the specific impacts of mercantilism on different cultures, it is important to study historical records, documents, and scholarly research that delve into the specificities of each case. By examining primary and secondary sources, one can gain a comprehensive understanding of how mercantilism affected various cultures across the world.