Answer:
The Columbian Exchange is most closely associated with the beginning of mercantilism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Columbian Exchange was a course of events that resulted in the exchange and interchange of a number living and non-living, tangible and intangible entities between the regions of the new world and the old world. The most important thing about it was the concept of mercantilism and cross border trade. This process had commenced in the early 14th century.