Origins & Early Life

Jean-Baptiste Colbert (French: [ʒɑ̃batist kɔlbɛʁ]; 29 August 1619 – 6 September 1683) was a French statesman who served as First Minister of State from 1661 until his death in 1683 under the rule of King Louis XIV. His lasting impact on the organization of the country's politics and markets, known as Colbertism, a doctrine often characterized as a variant of mercantilism, earned him the nickname le Grand Colbert ([lə ɡʁɑ̃ kɔl.bɛʁ]; "the Great Colbert"). A native of Reims, he was appointed Intendant of Finances on 4 May 1661. Colbert took over as Controller-General of Finances, a newly created position, in the aftermath of the arrest of Nicolas Fouquet for embezzlement, an event that led to the abolishment of the office of Superintendent of Finances.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He worked to develop the domestic economy by raising tariffs and encouraging major public works projects, as well as to ensure that the French East India Company had access to foreign markets, so that they could always obtain coffee, cotton, dyewoods, fur, pepper, and sugar. He acted to create a favorable balance of trade and increase colonial holdings. As there was slavery in the colonies, in 1682, Colbert commissioned the beginning of...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alonso de Guzmán y Sotomayor, 7th Duke of Medina Sidonia — Contemporary (Died in 1619) (1619): Spanish aristocrat and patron, famed for his role in the 1588 Spanish Armada.
• Barbara Strozzi — Contemporary (Born in 1619) (1619): Pioneering Venetian Baroque composer and singer, known for secular output.
• Charles Le Brun — Contemporary (Born in 1619) (1619): Dominant 17th-century French painter, theorist, and court artist to Louis XIV.
• 6th Dalai Lama — Contemporary (Born in 1683) (1683): The 6th Dalai Lama, a spiritual figure known for his unconventional lifestyle and profound influence in Tibet.
• Algernon Sidney — Contemporary (Died in 1683) (1683): English republican theorist and politician whose works shaped Western thought.
• George II of Great Britain — Contemporary (Born in 1683) (1683): King of Great Britain and Ireland; Elector of Hanover; last British monarch born abroad.
• Alfred Peet — Shared historical date (08-29 · Died) (2007): Dutch-American founder credited with starting the US specialty coffee revolution.
• Éamon de Valera — Shared historical date (08-29 · Died) (1975): Dominant Irish statesman, leading figure in the establishment of modern Irish governance.
• Adolf Dassler — Shared historical date (09-06 · Died) (1978): Pioneering German cobbler and inventor who founded the sportswear giant Adidas.
• Akira Kurosawa — Shared historical date (09-06 · Died) (1998): Master of Japanese cinema, known for dynamic style and epic storytelling.
• 1619 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1619
• August 29 (08-29) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 29
• 1683 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1683
• September 6 (09-06) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 6