Which term refers to an economic doctrine focusing on wealth accumulation through exports?

• A. The Thirteen Colonies
• B. Mercantalism
• C. Voyageur
• D. Alberta Act, Saskatchewan Act

Answer: (B)

This question is about mercantilism, an economic doctrine that says national wealth grows by accumulating precious metals and by exporting more goods than a country imports. In mercantilist thinking, governments actively shape trade to create a favorable balance of trade, support exports, and restrict imports, often through tariffs, subsidies, and colonial holdings that provide cheap raw materials and new markets. The aim is to increase a nation’s wealth by selling goods abroad and keeping wealth from leaving the country.

The other options don’t describe an economic doctrine. The Thirteen Colonies refers to a region of settlements, not a doctrine about wealth and trade. A voyageur is a fur trader, a person, not an economic theory. The Alberta Act and Saskatchewan Act are laws creating Canadian provinces, not a theory about wealth and trade.