"We order that no person may trade between the province of New Spain [Mexico] and the Philippine Islands, except in two ships that we permit to sail annually... The primary purpose of this regulation is to prevent the drainage of silver from our kingdoms to foreign nations, which would impoverish our crown."
— Royal Decree of King Philip II of Spain, 1593
Based on the passage, the trade restrictions described best illustrate which of the following economic policies of early modern maritime empires?
- Mercantilism, which aimed to maximize a state's wealth by controlling colonial trade and preventing the outflow of precious metals.Answer
- BFree-market capitalism, which promoted the deregulation of global trade to allow private merchants to set prices based on supply and demand.
- CThe Columbian Exchange, which sought to organize and manage the biological transfer of crops, animals, and diseases between the Americas and Asia.
- DEconomic imperialism, which relied on private foreign investments to control the economies of East Asian states without direct colonial administration.
Answer
Mercantilism, which aimed to maximize a state's wealth by controlling colonial trade and preventing the outflow of precious metals.
The correct answer is correct because the Spanish crown's decree restricting trade between Mexico and the Philippines to prevent the drain of silver directly reflects the core goals of mercantilism. Mercantilist theory asserted that a state's power and wealth depended on accumulating precious metals (bullion) and maintaining strict government regulations on colonial trade to prevent wealth from flowing to foreign rivals.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Mercantilist economic policies of early modern maritime empires.
Estimated Time:45s