The system of mercantilism allowed European rulers to expand control of their economies and claim overseas territories by replacing a system of lords and fiefdoms with one of direct rule by a state and the concept of the nation. Originating in the 17th century, mercantilism created the idea of a nation state and allowed the ruler to exert more control over aspects of the nation, leading to overseas territories still being loyal to the crown despite large distance separating them. This rise in nationalism cultivated the massive growth of European economies at the expense of colonial resources, and massively expanded Europe’s influence over the rest of the planet.
