Final answer:
The Dutch Golden Age's economic success was due to principles like mercantilism, overseas empire in Asia, joint-stock companies, and Protestant frugality, but not the conquest of large tracts of territory in the Americas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The economic success of the Dutch Golden Age was a result of several strategic initiatives. One key element that did not contribute to their success, however, was b) the conquest of large tracts of territory in the Americas. This choice is the exception as the Dutch focused on other areas for their colonial endeavors.
While the Dutch did have some involvement in the Americas and the Caribbean, their activities there did not include the large-scale territorial conquest seen by other European powers. Instead, the Dutch established themselves as a maritime and commercial power through the spice trade, slave trade, and the transport of sugar, as well as through aggressive naval engagements to protect their trading interests.