Colbert (1619～1683)

Colbert, Jean-Baptiste Colbert worked hard to restructure France's economic structure to increase fiscal revenue and make the country self-sufficient. Initially he took rather drastic measures to clean up the fiscal establishment, including prosecuting corrupt bureaucrats and refusing to pay public debt to banks. According to the economic theory of mercantilism, he encouraged the development of domestic industry and commerce and raised tariffs to protect it. Mercantilism was therefore also called "Colbertism." Colbert succeeded in expanding France's industrial and trading capabilities through direct government control of economic sectors, the establishment of colonial trading companies, and the opening of new factories.

In 1669, Colbert was appointed Minister of State for the Navy by Louis XIV. Under his leadership, a system of canals and roads was built, harbor fortifications were fortified, and the power of the French fleet was strengthened. Colbert also compiled the Naval Code and the Colonial Code.

Colbert also joined King Louis XIV and was one of the generous patrons of science and the arts; he was himself a member of the Académie de France. In 1663, he founded the French Academy of Inscriptions and Literature. Several academic groups he founded became the predecessors of the French Academy of Sciences. In 1667, he assisted in the construction of the Paris Observatory, and in 1671, he assisted in the construction of the Royal School of Architecture.

Colbert also accepted the suggestions of the people in France and accepted the people in France to immigrate to Canada and establish a new French colony.

In his later years, he was troubled by illness, but he persisted in working until the last days of his life. After his death, he was found to have huge stones in his urinary system, which was the cause of his illness and overwork.

Although Colbert can be called the most outstanding person who practiced this economic theory in the popular era of mercantilism, most of his achievements were not obviously outstanding because of the constant wars at that time. Military spending has depleted the government's financial resources. After Colbert's death, the king received much criticism. Today it is generally recognized that Colbert was an outstanding state activist.