Which was a characteristic of the policy of mercantilism followed by Spain in the 16th and 17th centuries?

A key characteristic of Spain's mercantilist policy in the 16th and 17th centuries was the emphasis on accumulating precious metals, particularly gold and silver, through colonial exploitation. Spain aimed to establish a favorable balance of trade by controlling trade routes and limiting imports from rival nations. The monarchy also implemented regulations to ensure that colonies primarily provided raw materials to the mother country, reinforcing Spain's economic dominance in Europe. This led to significant wealth but also contributed to eventual economic challenges due to overreliance on precious metals.