The economic policies of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louis XIV's controller general of finances
A) were noted for their innovation and originality.
B) used new accounting practices to take the tax burden off the peasants.
C) were based on the economic theory of mercantilism that stressed government regulation of economic affairs to benefit the state.
D) gave Louis the large surplus in the treasury needed to carry out his wars.
E) could best be described as laissez-faire.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jean-Baptiste Colbert's economic policies were largely based on the economic theory of mercantilism, which emphasized government intervention in economic affairs to benefit the state. His policies aimed to increase exports and decrease imports, increase domestic manufacturing, and strengthen the French navy and merchant marine. Colbert's policies enabled Louis XIV to greatly expand the military and carry out wars, and he implemented new systems of accounting and taxation to increase revenues for the state.

The Economic Policies of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louis XIV's Controller General