Weegy: Also, I do not think that mercantilist era should be called "mecantilism", There was no philosophy attached to it, only technology. It was an era, not an ism. User: what is mercantilism? Weegy: Mercantilism is the economic doctrine in which government control of foreign trade is of paramount importance for ensuring the prosperity and security of the state. In particular, it demands a positive balance of trade. [ Mercantilism dominated Western European economic policy and discourse from the 16th to late-18th centuries.[1] Mercantilism was a cause of frequent European wars in that time and motivated colonial expansion. Mercantilist theory varied in sophistication from one writer to another and evolved over time. Favors for powerful interests were often defended with mercantilist reasoning. Mercantilist policies have included: High tariffs, especially on manufactured goods; Monopolizing markets with staple ports; Exclusive trade with colonies; Forbidding trade to be carried in foreign ships; Export subsidies; Banning all export of gold and silver; Promoting manufacturing with research or direct subsidies; Limiting wages; Maximizing the use of domestic resources; Restricting domestic consumption with non-tariff barriers to trade ] (More)