Mercantilism is a system of economic regulations that are created with the goal of increasing state power. These regulations exist in the form of government policies that control the economic activities by and for the state. Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the economic minister of France during the reign of Louis XIV, created many mercantilist policies for France. Colbert believed that the wealth and economy of France should serve the state. Colbert increased exports by supporting industries and decreased French consumption of foreign goods by increasing their tariffs, thus strengthening France’s economy. Mercantilism is significant because beginning in the seventeenth century, many European states adopted mercantilism as a method for increasing
Mercantilism is a system of economic regulations that are created with the goal of increasing state power. These regulations exist in the form of government policies that control the economic activities by and for the state. Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the economic minister of France during the reign of Louis XIV, created many mercantilist policies for France. Colbert believed that the wealth and economy of France should serve the state. Colbert increased exports by supporting industries and decreased French consumption of foreign goods by increasing their tariffs, thus strengthening France’s economy. Mercantilism is significant because beginning in the seventeenth century, many European states adopted mercantilism as a method for increasing