Kaupankäyntivaltiot

Kaupankäyntivaltiot, known in English as mercantilist states, was an economic theory and practice dominant in Europe from the 16th to the 18th century. The core principle of mercantilism was that a nation's wealth and power were best served by increasing exports and collecting metals and jewels in return. This involved a strong state role in the economy, aimed at achieving a favorable balance of trade, meaning a country exported more goods than it imported.

Mercantilist policies typically included high tariffs on imported goods, subsidies for domestic industries, and the acquisition of colonies. Colonies were seen as sources of raw materials and captive markets for manufactured goods, further contributing to the mother country's favorable trade balance. Trade was often restricted to within the empire, with navigation acts dictating which ships could carry goods and to which ports.

The ultimate goal of mercantilism was to accumulate precious metals, such as gold and silver, as these were considered the primary measure of a nation's wealth and power. A large store of specie was believed to enable a state to fund its armies and navies, essential for defense and expansion. While mercantilism fueled colonial expansion and the growth of national economies, it also led to significant international rivalries and conflicts, as nations competed for resources and markets. The theory eventually gave way to more liberal economic ideas, such as those espoused by Adam Smith in his critiques of mercantilism.