Final answer:
Adam Smith played a significant role in moving Europe away from mercantilism by promoting the benefits of a free market system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adam Smith played a significant role in moving Europe away from mercantilism. He rejected the principles of mercantilism and instead argued for the benefits of a free market system. Smith believed that trade liberalization and the division of labor would lead to economic prosperity and greater wealth for nations. His ideas laid the foundation for capitalism and influenced the shift away from mercantilist policies.
Smith's ideas challenged the prevailing mercantilist system, which emphasized government intervention, protectionism, and the accumulation of wealth through favorable trade balances. He argued that the value of factories and mass production, which were not part of mercantilism, demonstrated the potential for increased productivity and economic growth.