According to the theory of mercantilism the principal purpose of the 13 original colonies was to provide Great Britain with what?

According to the theory of mercantilism, the principal purpose of the 13 original colonies was to provide Great Britain with raw materials and resources that could be used to fuel its economy and enhance its power. The colonies were seen as a source of wealth, supplying goods like tobacco, timber, and fur, which were vital for British industries. Additionally, the colonies served as a market for British manufactured goods, reinforcing the economic dominance of Great Britain. This system aimed to create a favorable balance of trade, benefiting the mother country while limiting the colonies' economic independence.