500
What was mercantilism? What did Louisiana provide for France? What did France provide for Louisiana?
Mercantilism was the belief that each country or empire should have access to, and control
of, raw materials needed to build and maintain a healthy economy. It was a closed system, so
Louisiane was not allowed to trade with any country but France. France sent finished goods
such as clothing, furniture, and ink to the colony. Louisiane shipped raw materials such as fur,
timber, and indigo back to France. It was not a very profitable system and since it was easier
and cheaper to trade with the Spanish, illegal trade with them was common.