Final answer:
Correct option: By promoting economic self-sufficiency within the colonies
Mercantilism and trans-Atlantic trade contributed to the development of colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries by establishing a favorable balance of trade and promoting economic self-sufficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mercantilism and trans-Atlantic trade played a significant role in the development of colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries. These economic systems contributed to the growth and prosperity of colonies by establishing a favorable balance of trade and promoting economic self-sufficiency.
Under mercantilism, the colonies provided raw materials for the mother country, such as furs, hides, tobacco, and sugar. They also served as markets for domestically manufactured goods. This trade relationship helped the colonies prosper economically and contributed to the development of industries and agriculture.
In addition, trans-Atlantic trade facilitated the exchange of goods between the colonies and Europe. This trade network allowed colonies to access a wide range of products and resources that they needed for their development. For example, Africa provided enslaved Africans who were brought to the American colonies to work on plantations and produce large amounts of raw materials.