Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean History Practice Exam

One of the main goals of the British mercantile system in the 1660s was to ensure that the colonies provided Britain with a steady supply of raw materials. This system was designed to favor the mother country by creating a controlled economic relationship where colonies would serve primarily as sources of essentials like sugar, tobacco, cotton, and other raw materials vital for British industries. By focusing on extracting resources from the colonies, Britain aimed to boost its economy and maintain a competitive edge in global trade.

The mercantile system reinforced the idea that the colonies existed to support British interests, whereby the finished goods would be manufactured in Britain and then sold back to the colonies, creating a loop of dependency. This strategic approach concentrated on maximizing profits for Britain and limiting economic autonomy for the colonies, perpetuating their role as suppliers rather than independent entities capable of self-governance or diverse economic activities like luxury goods production or significant military initiatives.