According to the theory of- which became popular among european nations in the 15th and 16th centuries, a nation could increase its wealth and power in two ways: by obtaining as much gold and silver as possible, and by establishing a favorable balance of trade, in which it sold more goods than it bought.

What is one way the spanish war of independence encouraged those in the colonies to seek new political and economic rights? colonies took advantage of spain’s weakened ability to prevent rebellion. the disruptions caused by the war encouraged colonial merchants to seek markets in the pacific. the exposure to french ideas through the war convinced many in spain to provide these liberties to the colonies. the war with france made spain tighten their political and economic hold on the colonies in desperation.