What term refers to the idea that the colonies existed solely for the good of their mother country

The correct answer is mercantilism.

Under a mercantilist system, the main goal is to maximize the profit of trade exported by colonies.

So, colonies exist almost solely to provide economic benefit for their colonial overlords.

alaska is the answer to this

the award is named for an american naval historian and theorist, rear admiral alfred thayer mahan, united states navy who, through his writing, provided stimulus and guidance to those who share in the defense of the nation.