Finance and the economy: the reforms of Colbert; taxation; trade and communications within France; mercantilism; overseas trade and colonisation
Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louis XIV's chief finance minister, rebuilt France's economy by cutting waste, boosting industry, and expanding trade. He wanted France to earn more from exports than it spent on imports.
Real World
Colbert's mercantilist system mirrored modern protectionism: he imposed high tariffs on Dutch textiles in 1667 — similar to a government placing import duties on foreign goods — to force consumers to buy French-made cloth and keep wealth inside France.
Exam Focus
Define mercantilism precisely before applying it; confusing it with free trade is a common error that costs marks on 'explain' and 'assess' questions.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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