Which of the following best describes the economic focus of Mercantilism?

The economic focus of Mercantilism is best described by the encouragement of exports and accumulation of precious metals. This economic theory, which dominated European economic thought from the 16th to the 18th century, emphasized that a nation's power is directly linked to its wealth, which primarily consisted of gold and silver reserves.

Mercantilists believed that to increase national wealth, countries must export more than they import, fostering a positive balance of trade. By promoting exports, nations aimed to bring in foreign currency and precious metals, which were seen as a measure of economic strength and political power. This focus on exporting goods was also tied to the mercantile belief that colonies served primarily as sources of raw materials and markets for finished products, thereby enhancing the mother country's wealth and status.

Other options reflect misunderstandings of Mercantilist principles. The promotion of imports and foreign goods contradicts the core of Mercantilism, as it typically discouraged imports to maintain a favorable balance of trade. Supporting local artisans over global trade does not fully capture the essence of Mercantilism, which prioritized state intervention in trade but did not inherently oppose trade itself. Lastly, advocacy for unrestricted free markets runs counter to the Mercantilist approach of heavy regulation and state control over the economy