What was a central consequence of mercantilism in Europe?

The central consequence of mercantilism in Europe was the expansion of colonial empires. Mercantilism was an economic theory that emphasized the importance of accumulating wealth, primarily through a favorable balance of trade and the establishment of colonies. European powers sought to expand their territories overseas to access valuable resources, such as gold, silver, spices, and other raw materials. This led to the establishment of colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, which provided European nations with the resources needed to fuel their economies and strengthen their power.

The pursuit of colonies was driven by the belief that a nation's strength depended on its ability to acquire and control resources and trade routes. As a result, countries like Spain, Portugal, England, France, and the Netherlands expanded their influence globally, establishing vast empires that would become the backbone of their economic and military power.

In contrast, options that involve the development of democratic institutions, increases in agricultural production, or advancements in scientific research do not encapsulate the primary focus of mercantilism, which was centered around trade and resource accumulation through colonization.