The correct answer is D) Export resources for the mother country's benefit.
The other options were A) Export resources for their own benefit. B) Provide military assistance as needed. C) Manufactures goods.
Under the economic system of mercantilism, colonies were encouraged to export resources for the mother country's benefit.
It was English economist Adam Smith who coined the term mercantilism system that was used in colonial times during the 16th to 18th centuries. European superpowers such as Great Britain or France exploited their colonies, used all the raw materials and natural resources to increase their wealth and become richer.