Answer: First answer choice. (Mercantilism pushed some states to find new places where gold and silver could be gathered.)
Explanation: Mercantilism is the theory prevalent in especially in Europe that wealth (during trade) is limited. Hence, Europeans wanted to trade with other continents. At its time, its only major trading partner was China, which required Europeans to pay in gold or sliver for goods they wanted. Hence, Europe had to find gold and sliver (gain more wealth because wealth was limited), and "discovered" Americas and find gold and sliver.