What were the beliefs of the seventeenth century mercantilism?

Seventeenth-century mercantilism was an economic theory that emphasized the importance of state intervention in the economy to increase national power. It held that a country's wealth was measured by its stock of precious metals, leading to a focus on exports over imports to achieve a favorable balance of trade. Mercantilists believed in the necessity of government regulation of the economy, including tariffs and monopolies, to promote domestic industries and secure resources from colonies. This system aimed to strengthen the nation-state and enhance its military power through economic means.