Tariffs and Wars: A Look at the Era of Mercantilism

The era of mercantilism, which spanned from the 16th to the 18th century, led to more wars. This was primarily due to the competitive and zero-sum nature of mercantilist economic policies (heavy focus on tariffs) and their influence on international relations. Here’s an explanation of why and how mercantilism contributed to conflicts:

1. Mercantilist Competition

• Zero-Sum Thinking: Mercantilism was based on the belief that wealth (often measured in gold and silver) was finite, meaning one nation’s gain was another’s loss. This fostered intense economic and political rivalry among nations.
• Colonial Expansion: Nations sought to acquire colonies to secure resources and markets. This frequently led to territorial disputes and wars, as multiple powers competed for the same lucrative territories.

2. Trade Rivalries

• Navigation Acts and Tariffs: Mercantilist policies often included protective tariffs and trade restrictions designed to benefit the home country at the expense of others. These policies stoked resentment and led to economic conflicts that sometimes escalated into war.
• Monopoly Control: Control over critical trade routes and commodities, such as spices, sugar, or tobacco, became a source of contention. For example, the Anglo-Dutch Wars (17th century) were fought largely over trade dominance.

3. Military Buildup

• Protection of Commerce: Mercantilist nations invested heavily in naval and military power to protect trade routes and enforce economic policies, increasing the likelihood of militarized conflict.
• Privateers and Piracy: Nations often sanctioned privateers to attack the ships of rival nations, which could provoke broader conflicts.

4. Imperial Wars

• Colonial Wars: Mercantilist powers frequently fought wars to expand or protect their empires. Examples include the numerous wars between Britain, France, and Spain over colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
• Proxy Wars: Colonies became battlegrounds for European powers, as seen in the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763), which had theaters in Europe, North America, and Asia.

5. Political and Dynastic Ambitions

• Alliances and Rivalries: Mercantilism often intertwined with dynastic politics. Economic interests shaped alliances and rivalries, making wars over succession or political dominance also contests over economic resources.
• Economic Justifications for War: Rulers justified wars by claiming they were necessary to secure economic independence or to prevent rivals from growing too powerful.

Examples of Wars Influenced by Mercantilism

• Anglo-Dutch Wars (1652–1674): Fought over trade dominance and colonial possessions.
• War of Spanish Succession (1701–1714): Partly driven by the desire to control Spanish trade and colonies.
• Seven Years’ War (1756–1763): A global conflict over empire and trade supremacy.

In summary, the mercantilist era’s emphasis on economic competition and control over resources and trade routes fostered an environment ripe for conflict. By linking national wealth to power, mercantilism incentivized military expansion and wars to protect and advance economic interests.