> What was that economic theory that most of the colonial empires were run on, where the prime directive was that more gold needed to be flowing into the countr

> What was that economic theory that most of the colonial empires were run on, where the prime directive was that more gold needed to be flowing into the country than flowing out? You may be thinking of mercantilism: "Mercantilism is the economic doctrine that says government control of foreign trade is of paramount importance for ensuring the prosperity and security of a state. In particular, it demands a positive balance of trade. ...It also was a motive for colonial expansion." [1] [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercantilism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercantilism (emphasis added).