What impact did the Black Plague have to the rise of mercantilism?

The Black Plague significantly impacted the rise of mercantilism by drastically reducing the population of Europe, which led to labor shortages and increased wages for workers. As a result, the demand for goods and trade increased, prompting the emergence of a more structured economic system focused on state control and regulation of trade. This shift encouraged nations to seek wealth through exports and the accumulation of precious metals, laying the groundwork for mercantilist policies that prioritized national economic interests. Ultimately, the social and economic upheaval caused by the plague facilitated the transition from feudalism to a more market-oriented economy.