The colonies were to provide markets for the raw materials of the mother country is the correct answer.
Explanation:
The economic policy which aims to minimize imports and maximize exports is called Mercantilism. It aims at reducing the current account deficit. It was practiced by the advanced counties of Europe from the 16th to 18th centuries and led to war and colonialism. High tariffs were a common feature of Mercantilist policy. During colonialism, the advance European countries established colonies to extract raw material for their industries. The colonies also served as a market.
