Why did mercantilist advocate the accumulation of gold?

Mercantilists advocated the accumulation of gold because they believed it was essential for a nation's wealth and power. Gold served as a stable currency that could facilitate trade and strengthen a country's position in international commerce. Additionally, accumulating gold was seen as a way to achieve a favorable balance of trade, where exports exceeded imports, thus enriching the nation and enhancing its political and military strength. This belief in gold as the ultimate measure of wealth underpinned many economic policies during the mercantilist era.