Who viewed the accumulation of wealth through trade as vital for military and political strength?

The accumulation of wealth through trade was viewed as vital for military and political strength primarily by European monarchs during the period of exploration and colonization. This perspective stemmed from the mercantilist economic theory popular in Europe at the time, which held that national power could be enhanced by increasing wealth, particularly through the control of trade and the accumulation of precious metals like gold and silver.

European monarchs believed that a strong economy provided the resources necessary to maintain and expand their military capabilities. The more wealth a nation accumulated through trade, the better equipped it was to defend its interests and assert its influence on the global stage. This led to a competition for colonies and trade routes, as nations sought to enrich themselves and establish dominance.

Colonial governors, merchants, and American revolutionists did have interests in trade and wealth but were primarily concerned with their specific contexts. Governors typically served the interests of their mother countries and were often more focused on administration rather than economic doctrines. Colonial merchants did profit from trade, but their interests were more localized and immediate rather than contributing to national power on a broader scale. American revolutionists were more focused on independence and political rights than on the accumulation of wealth for military power. Thus, European monarchs are correctly identified as the group that