Final answer:
Mercantilism indeed led to economic competition among European countries as the theory's zero-sum approach to wealth encouraged trade wars and real wars over resources and markets, which is true.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mercantilism led to economic competition among the countries of Europe. this is true. by definition mercantilism is an economic policy that is designed to maximize the exports and minimize the imports for an economy. It promotes imperialism, tariffs and subsidies on traded goods to achieve that goal. because mercantilist theory positioned economic gain for one nation as a loss for others European nations engaged in trade wars and, at times, real wars to control resources and markets. this led to intense economic competition as nations sought to accumulate wealth, especially gold and silver. notably, England and the Netherlands fought four wars over transatlantic trade, and England also clashed with France to access Indian markets.
Additionally, the mercantilist approach affected social hierarchies and colonial relationships, often resulting in exploitation and harsh treatment of Indigenous populations and enslaved Africans. the system dictated that economic interests of merchants and manufacturers were prioritized over those of workers and consumers by keeping wages low and discouraging the purchase of luxury goods to ensure they could be exported instead. critical enlightenment thinkers like David Hume and Adam Smith later argued against mercantilism suggesting that wealth was not finite and could in fact be created, advocating for free trade instead of tariffs and restrictions.