What was the main idea behind the theory of mercantilism?

The main idea behind the theory of mercantilism was that a nation's wealth and power were best served by increasing exports and accumulating precious metals, such as gold and silver. Mercantilists believed that the economy should be regulated by the state to achieve a favorable balance of trade, where exports exceeded imports. This theory emphasized the importance of a strong central government to control trade policies and promote national interests, often leading to colonial expansion and competition among nations for resources and markets.