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How did Colbert encourage manufacturing in France?
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Louis XIV
Portrait of King Louis XIV, by Charles Le Brun, c. 1655.
Under the reign of Louis XIV, Jean-Baptiste Colbert sought to increase French power by reducing reliance on foreign goods and boosting international trade. To encourage manufacturing, he employed several strategic measures:
- Skill Acquisition: He actively recruited foreign workers to bring specialized trade skills to France.1
- Industrial Support: He provided privileges to private industries and established state-run manufactures.1
- Quality Control: To ensure high standards, he implemented strict regulations for manufacturing processes and imposed severe penalties, such as fines and the pillory, for counterfeiting or poor workmanship.1
- Protectionism: He utilized a system of tariffs to protect national industries from foreign competition.1
- Infrastructure: He developed internal communications by road and water, including the construction of the Canal du Midi, to facilitate the movement of goods.1
While these efforts faced resistance from traders who valued their independence, Colbert successfully raised the output of manufactures and established new permanent industries in France.1