What effects did the rapid expansion of European colonies have between the 17th and 19th centuries

The expansion on teh global tarde affect European in a way that when abolsutism and modern police state started toi shape the ruling elites shifted from free amrket which characterized High and Late Middle Ages into mercantilism and protectionism, therfore central government reached mor control over the economy and created economic borders having resources and colonies become vital for many countries in the struggle for power