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

The correct answer is European monarchs because they recognized that the accumulation of wealth through trade was essential for enhancing their military and political strength. European powers during the period of mercantilism believed that a nation’s power was directly related to its wealth, which could be generated through a favorable balance of trade. This led them to implement policies that promoted colonial expansion and trade monopolies. By controlling trade and accumulating wealth from colonies, monarchs could fund armies, reinforce naval power, and assert their influence on the global stage, thereby achieving greater dominance over rivals.

Colonial governors had a role in managing trade relationships on a local level, but their power was often limited by the overarching policies of the European monarchs. Colonial merchants were certainly involved in trade and sought to profit from it, but their objectives were primarily individualistic rather than tied to national military or political strength. American revolutionists, on the other hand, were focused on independence from European powers and would not have viewed the accumulation of wealth through trade in the same context as strengthening monarchy or imperial control.