Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Jean-Baptiste Colbert (August 29, 1619 – September 6, 1683) served as the French minister of finance for 22 years under King Louis XIV. He achieved a reputation for his work of improving the state of French manufacturing and bringing the economy back from the brink of bankruptcy; although - historians note - since Louis spent so much money (on luxury and wars) France actually became increasingly impoverished. Colbert worked to create a favourable balance of trade and increase France's colonial holdings. Historians of mercantilism consider Colbert a key figure.

Early life

Colbert's father and grandfather operated as merchants his birthplace of Reims, France. He claimed to have Scottish ancestry. A general (but unconfirmed) belief exists that he spent his early youth at a Jesuit college, working for a Parisian banker; as well as working for the father of Jean Chapelain. Before the age of 20, Colbert had a post in the war office; a position generally attributed to the marriage of an uncle to the sister of Secretary of War Le Tellier. Colbert spent some time as an inspector of troops, eventually becoming the personal secretary of Le Tellier. In 1647, through unknown means, Colbert acquired the confiscated goods of an uncle, Pussort. In 1648, he (and his wife Marie Charron) received 40,000 crowns from an unknown source; and in 1649 Colbert became the councillor of state.

Related Topics:
Reims - France - Scottish - Jesuit - Paris - Bank - Jean Chapelain - War office - Secretary of War Le Tellier - 1647 - Pussort - 1648 - Marie Charron - 1649 - Councillor of state

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