Adam Smith · Economics

Free Trade and the Market

Smith’s demolition of mercantilism and his case for open commerce - that trade is mutual gain, not a zero-sum war for gold - and the powerful objections it provoked.

What you'll be able to recall

You learned Smith’s case against mercantilism and for free trade. Explain why he thought trade is mutually beneficial rather than a zero-sum contest, and one serious objection to leaving trade entirely free, in your own words.

Leads to Friedrich List.

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