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Bible Encyclopedias
Colbert, Jean Baptiste
The Nuttall Encyclopedia
or A French statesman, of Scotch descent, born in Rheims, the son of a clothier; introduced to Louis XIV. by Mazarin, then first minister; he was appointed Controller-General of the Finances after the fall of Fouquet, and by degrees made his influence felt in all the departments of State affairs; he favoured, by protectionist measures—free trade not yet being heard of—French industry and commerce; was to the French marine what Louvois was to the army, and encouraged both arts and letters; from 1671 his influence began to decline; he was held responsible for increased taxation due to Louis XIV.'s wars, while the jealousy of Louvois weakened his credit at Court; he became so unpopular that on his death his body was buried at night, but a grateful posterity has recognised his services, and done homage to his memory as one of the greatest ministers France ever had (1619-1683).
Public Domain.
Wood, James, ed. Entry for 'Colbert, Jean Baptiste'. The Nuttall Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/nut/c/colbert-jean-baptiste.html. Frederick Warne & Co Ltd. London. 1900.
