2. The European governments expected to gain from their efforts in establishing colonies. In explaining why they did or did not expect to gain from their investment in the colonies examine the purpose of the colonial system which controlled the world ec

True . The European governments expected to gain from their efforts in establishing colonies . This will look into the arguments that seek to explain the purpose of the colonial system and link it to the claim that indeed European governments knew that each would benefit with the establishment of colonialism . The seeks to agree that the investment of European states was worth it . This is done by elaborating on the issues regarding concerning colonialism

Practice of Colonial Mercantilism

The practice of Colonial Mercantilism can be considered as an important tool used by

European states to support their efforts in establishing colonies . We know that the primary objective of a mercantilist approach is to amass of gold which is the main determinant for power . These beliefs included the ideas that exports to foreign countries are preferable both to trade within a country and to imports that the wealth of a nation depends primarily on the possession of gold and silver and that governmental interference in the national economy is justified if it tends to implement the attainment of these objectives (Microsoft Encarta , 2007

.1 ) Using this concept , it spurted the quest for finding new land . With the acquisition of colonies came the recognition that their purpose was to satisfy the needs of the mother country (LandandFreedom .org ,

.1 ) The theory itself served its purpose in helping appease detractors of Europe with regards to expansionism is concerned during that time

Exhaust resources and increase trade

Another primary reason for the expansionist policies of European states is to gather raw materials and wealth from other land . These wealth and raw materials can contribute to the country 's development and status in the realm of economics and politics . There were numerous trade relationships that occurred with Europe and the Americas at first . When these locations were finally colonized , the resources were now tapped and used for the benefit of the European states for their own vested interests . Exploitation of colonies was considered a legitimate method of providing the parent countries with precious metals and with the raw materials on which export industries depended (Microsoft Encarta 2007

.1 ) This was evident with the Spanish conquistadors that conquered several South American states . Driven by rumours of gold and riches they destroyed the Aztec confederation , leading them to a wealth of gold in the heartland of what is now Mexico . The Pizarro brothers took on the Incas in what is now Panama in the year 1531 , taking several years to complete their conquest - which resulted in an enormous treasure of gold and silver (Zuiderveen , 2001 ,

.1

Another important aspect was trade and the practice of mercantilism by the East India Company . This is one element of addressing the purpose of the colonial system . Each country would want to have a fair share of the wealth and trade opportunities within the area . The companies which had varying degrees of governmental support , grew out of the associations of merchant adventurers who voyaged to the...