Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Jean-Baptiste Colbert was a French statesman who served as the First Minister of State from 1661 until his death in 1683 under the rule of King Louis XIV. His lasting impact on the organization of the country's politics and markets, known as Colbertism, a doctrine often characterized as a variant of mercantilism, earned him the nickname le Grand Colbert (the Great Colbert). Colbert was born in Reims in 1619 and was educated privately. He started his career as a clerk in the office of his uncle, who was a secretary of state. He rose through the ranks and became the intendant of finances in 1661. He took over as the controller-general of finances, a newly created position, after the arrest and imprisonment of Nicolas Fouquet, the superintendent of finances, for embezzlement. Colbert worked to develop the domestic economy by raising tariffs, regulating trade, promoting manufacturing, and encouraging colonization. He also supported major public works projects, such as the construction of canals, roads, and buildings. He founded several institutions, such as the Academy of Sciences, the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres, the Academy of Architecture, and the Royal Observatory. He also reformed the administration of justice and education. Colbert was also in charge of the navy and the colonies. He founded the French East India Company and expanded France's overseas possessions in Africa, Asia, and America. He built a powerful navy that rivalled that of England and Holland. He also drafted the Code Noir, a set of laws that regulated slavery and race relations in the colonies. Colbert was a loyal servant of Louis XIV and enjoyed his trust and favor. However, he also faced opposition from some nobles and courtiers who resented his influence and reforms. He also clashed with Louvois, the secretary of state for war, over military spending and policies. Colbert's economic policies were also undermined by the costly wars that Louis XIV waged in Europe. Colbert suffered from stomach aches in his later years, which were caused by large kidney stones. He died in Paris in 1683 and was buried in Saint-Eustache church. He had married Marie Charron in 1648 and had five children. He was awarded several honors and titles for his services, such as the Order of the Holy Spirit, Knight Bachelor, Lord of Vandières and Cernay, and Marquis of Seignelay.