MERCANTILE NATION Meaning and
Definition
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A mercantile nation refers to a country or state that primarily revolves around commercial activities and trades. It is characterized by its vibrant mercantile economy, where trade and business play a significant role in its development and prosperity. The term is derived from the word "mercantile," which describes the practices and principles of commerce, such as buying, selling, and exchanging goods or services.
A mercantile nation typically prioritizes economic growth and emphasizes international trade as a means to accumulate wealth and power. It actively seeks opportunities to engage in overseas commerce, establishing and maintaining trade routes, ports, and colonies. A mercantile nation often exhibits a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and private enterprise. It encourages the development of industries and manufacturing to produce goods for both domestic consumption and export.
To support its economic objectives, a mercantile nation generally adopts policies and regulations that protect its national industries and encourage foreign investment. It may, for example, apply tariffs or import restrictions to safeguard domestic markets. Additionally, a mercantile nation often invests significant resources in naval and maritime capabilities to protect its trade routes and merchant vessels.
Historically, examples of mercantile nations include the Netherlands during the 17th century, which thrived as a global trading power, and the British Empire during the 18th and 19th centuries, whose dominance in international commerce contributed to its strength as a global superpower. However, the concept of a mercantile nation is not limited to a specific time period or geography, as it can apply to any country that relies heavily on trade and commerce for economic growth and sustenance.
Common Misspellings for MERCANTILE NATION
- nercantile nation
- kercantile nation
- jercantile nation
- mwrcantile nation
- msrcantile nation
- mdrcantile nation
- mrrcantile nation
- m4rcantile nation
- m3rcantile nation
- meecantile nation
- medcantile nation
- mefcantile nation
- metcantile nation
- me5cantile nation
- me4cantile nation
- merxantile nation
- mervantile nation
- merfantile nation
- merdantile nation
- merczntile nation
Etymology of MERCANTILE NATION
The term "mercantile nation" is composed of two key words: "mercantile" and "nation".
The word "mercantile" originated from the Latin word "mercantilis", which means "pertaining to merchandise or trade". It was first recorded in English in the late 16th century and referred to anything associated with commerce, trade, or business activities.
The term "nation" comes from the Latin word "natio", which means "birth" or "origin". In medieval Latin, "natio" evolved to denote a large group of people united by a common origin, language, or culture. Eventually, it took on the meaning of a politically organized group of people inhabiting a defined territory, leading to its current usage as a synonym for a country or a sovereign state.
