Introduction

David Reisman ()

Chapter 1 in Mercantilism, 2025, pp 1-2 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This short chapter explains that mercantilism was a system of commercial and political ideas that flourished from the 1500s to the early 1700s. The Middle Ages were giving way to the Renaissance, Reformation and Restoration, the scientific revolution and the voyages of discovery. In a large number of tracts and pamphlets, merchants and public officials called for state intervention to produce a balance of trade surplus and to stimulate an influx of precious metals. The present book focuses on English authors. It pays particular attention to Hales, Milles, Malynes, Misselden, Mun, Petyt, Child and Davenant, while also drawing on a range of other writers such as Tucker, Coke, Barbon and Petty. It shows that the mercantilists were nationalists and conservatives who wanted to perpetuate existing customs as well as to bring about change.

Keywords: Mercantilism; Trade surplus; State intervention; Precious metals; Economic nationalism; Conservatism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035347650
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