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.

Trivia

• Six ships of the French Navy bore his name in this honour:
• A steam corvette in 1848
• A battleship in 1875
• A cargo in 1914
• A dundee in 1916
• A 10000 tonne cruiser in 1928
• A missile cruiser