How did Christopher Columbus affect mercantilism?

Christopher Columbus significantly impacted mercantilism by opening new trade routes and expanding European access to resources in the Americas. His voyages led to the establishment of colonies and the exploitation of indigenous populations and their lands, which became sources of wealth for European powers. This influx of gold, silver, and other resources fueled economic competition among nations, reinforcing the mercantilist belief in accumulating wealth through trade and colonial expansion. Ultimately, Columbus's discoveries contributed to the rise of a global trade network that characterized the mercantilist era.