Which European concept led to the establishment of colonies in the New World?

Mercantilism is the correct answer as it was an economic theory prevalent in Europe from the 16th to the 18th centuries, which posited that the wealth of a nation was best served by increasing exports and collecting precious metals like gold and silver. This concept drove European powers to explore and establish colonies in the New World in order to create new markets and sources of raw materials. Colonization was seen as a way to enhance national strength and secure economic dominance through the acquisition of resources that could be exploited for the benefit of the home country.

Under mercantilist policies, colonies were often required to trade exclusively with their mother countries, ensuring that the wealth generated by the colonies flowed back to Europe. This led to a scramble for territory in the Americas as nations sought to expand their influence and economic power.

Feudalism, while historically significant in medieval Europe, was largely phased out by the time of New World exploration and did not play a direct role in colonial establishment. Socialism, which focuses on collective or governmental ownership of production, did not emerge as a concept until the 19th century, well after the establishment of colonies. Regionalism refers to the focus on regional interests or cultural identities and does not pertain to the motivations or policies