Which of these would undermine the key principles of mercantilism? a. free trade b. taxation c. tolls d. ending piracy

Correct answer is A. free trade.

Mercantilism was an economic system averse to competition. It relied on mechanisms such as heavy taxation of imports, monopolies, exclusive trade agreements, colonialism and eventually even trade wars to secure the interests of the merchants. Therefore, a nation that promoted free trade would not be in accordance to the principles outlined by mercantilist therorists, who saw the world's amount of wealth as static and recommended that governments resort to tariffs on foreign imports and the maximization of exports.

roosevelt essentially took the opposite approach as hoover in taking on the great depression. herbert hoover thought that america and its economy could naturally recover from the depression in due course, so he adamantly restrained the federal government from intervening on behalf of the people affected. on the other hand, roosevelt dramatically increased employment by expanding the federal government and establishing agencies that would aid in relieving some of the country's worst problems.