Colbert was the finance minister of Louis XIV from 1665-1683.
He was hard working and thrifty.
Once in charge of French finances, Colbert punished corrupt officials and improved scrutiny of financial claims on the government.
He stimulated French domestic industries, establishing a glass factory so that France didn't have to import expensive Venetian glass, and developed the French textile industry as well.
As far as taxation went, Colbert increased indirect taxes on luxury goods - all the aristocracy and clergy were exempt from taxes, but couldn't avoid indirect taxes on luxury goods.
Colbert also supported the French East India Company, ensuring that imports of exotic goods (for example, coffee) came direct through French hands, rather than middleman traders which greatly increased the price.
He also introduced Internal tariffs.
Colbert's greatest gift was that he not only understood the central idea of mercantilism - that the nation with most money in terms of hard cash would be the most powerful - but saw best how to boost French finances to achieve this, and pushed his policies through ruthlessly to achieve this, enjoying royal support in his efforts.
Unfortunately for Colbert, this made him unpopular, and he made many powerful enemies. This situation became exacerbated as France actually became more impoverished during Colbert's tenure as Finance Minister.This was not because his policies didn't work, but because Louis XIV spent so much money on wars.
He died in 1683.
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