How did mercantilism help Britain?

Mercantilism helped Britain by promoting a favorable balance of trade, where exports exceeded imports, thereby increasing national wealth. It encouraged the establishment of colonies that provided raw materials and served as markets for British manufactured goods. This system also led to the accumulation of precious metals, enhancing Britain's economic power and enabling it to finance military and naval expansion. Overall, mercantilism laid the groundwork for Britain's rise as a global economic and colonial power.