You are probably familiar with the great European Empires of the 15th through 18th centuries. These were the times of the dominant sea faring countries, like the French Dutch and English.

Countries which relied upon their sea going prowess to control their colonies located around the world. The United States was once just such a colony of the English.

These European Countries became rich beyond all compare, by following the economic principals of Mercantilism.

Briefly states, the Europeans developed trade with their third world colonies. They bought from the colony the raw materials needed for their Factories. And sold back to the colonies, at a much enhanced price, the finished goods, that the colonies desired.