During the 1600s and 1700s, the fundamental goal of British mercantilism was to

(1) prohibit all exports of raw materials from the colonies

(2) encourage economic competition with the American colonies

(3) develop manufacturing within the colonies

(4) maintain a favorable balance of trade for Great Britain with its colonies

Correct answer choice is:

4) Maintain a favorable balance of trade for Great Britain with its colonies.

Explanation:

Mercantilism was generalized in Europe during the 1500s. The method was based on the knowledge that a nation's assets and potential were best assisted by developing exports and getting expensive minerals, such as gold and silver. Mercantilism displaced the earlier, feudal financial policy in Western Europe, heading to one of the first events of political omission and charge over an economy.

The fundamental goal of the British mercantilism during the 1600s and 1700s was to maintain a favorable balance of trade for great Britain with its colonies. They wanted to keep trading with the mother country and not just with the American colonies.