What is mercantilism and how did Smith feel about it?

Mercantilism is an economic theory that emphasizes the importance of a strong, interventionist government to promote national wealth through trade surplus and the accumulation of precious metals. Adam Smith, in his seminal work "The Wealth of Nations," criticized mercantilism, arguing that it restricted free trade and competition, ultimately hindering economic growth and prosperity. He believed that individual self-interest in a free market would lead to greater wealth and efficiency for society as a whole, contrasting sharply with the mercantilist focus on state control and regulation.