Which conclusion regarding mercantilism is most likely accurate? a) mercantilism promoted the accumulation of gold and silver by governments. b) mercantilism encouraged free trade between colonies and other countries. c) mercantilist countries encouraged political freedom for colonies. d) mercantilist policies favored negative trade balances

The correct answer is - A) Mercantilism promoted the accumulation of gold and silver by governments.

The Mercantile theory was that there's only limited amount of treasure in the world, so that it is crucial that you should gather as much as possible before the others do, in order to be wealthier and more powerful.

The governments took this very seriously, so one of the their prime goals was to accumulate as much wealth as possible. That is why the colonial powers were always aiming at the gold and silver of the new territories, be it by taking it away from the natives, or exploring to find new mines, they were taking as much as possible before the reserves of it end.