The Reformist and Economic Role of Jean-Baptiste Colbert in France Until 1683
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31973/3x2chs28Keywords:
Colbert, Louis XIV, Tay Tax, Louis' laws, mercantilismAbstract
Jean-Baptiste Colbert was an important French figure in the seventeenth century. He served as Controller General of Finances (1661-1683) and Secretary of State for the Navy (1668-1683) under King Louis XIV. Before his death, Cardinal Mazarin recommended him to King Louis XIV, who quickly gave Colbert his confidence. From then on, Colbert devoted his enormous capacity for work to serving the king in his private affairs and in the general administration of the kingdom. Despite the difficulties that Colbert faced in the financial extravagance of King Louis XIV, he was able to maintain France's financial capacity and implement the economic reconstruction program that helped make France the dominant power in Europe and contributed greatly to France's rise on the international scene.
After the death of Mazarin, Colbert became a lieutenant to King Louis XIV. His first act was to reform the state finances. He dismissed from service anyone known for treason in collecting taxes, imposed indirect duties on goods so that the burden of taxes would be distributed among all classes, not the general class. He reduced direct taxes on land to ease the financial burden on farmers, encouraged animal husbandry, repaired roads and means of transportation, and paid great attention to economic activity by encouraging trade and industry. He rewarded inventors and provided grants to those who embarked on new commercial projects. He also encouraged foreign workers to work in France.
Colbert was also a proponent of mercantilism and believed that if France wanted to become a rich country, it had to sell more to nations than it bought from them, by increasing local products and reducing imports. In order to achieve this goal, he encouraged local manufactures and products and imposed taxes on imported goods. He believed that the colonies had great commercial value and could be a lucrative market for French manufactures.
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