Finance and the economy: problems after Colbert; the costs of war
After Louis XIV's finance minister Colbert died in 1683, France's economy weakened badly. Two long, expensive wars then pushed the royal finances close to total collapse.
Real World
By the end of the Nine Years' War (1697), Louis's treasury was so depleted that the crown was selling noble titles and public offices to raise cash — a short-term fix that undermined the very social hierarchy Louis had spent decades reinforcing.
Exam Focus
Always quantify the cost of war with specific conflicts (Nine Years' War, War of Spanish Succession) to show chronological awareness and earn higher-level marks.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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