Colbert
JEAN BAPTISTE (kōlbār'), Marquis de Seignelay, a French statesman; born in Rheims in 1619. He served his apprenticeship in a woolendraper's shop, and afterward went to Paris, where his talents introduced him to Mazarin, who soon employed him in most important affairs of state. On his death-bed, Mazarin warmly recommended Colbert to Louis XIV., who, in 1661, appointed him controller-general of finances. Colbert's administration became a blessing to France. Order was restored in the finances, the revenue increased. He organized anew the colorestored in the finances, the revenue inmingo, and founded others at Cayenne and Madagascar. Made minister of marine in 1669, he found France with a few old rotten ships; three years later, she had a fleet of 60 ships of the line and 40 Colbert improved the civil frigates. code, introduced a marine code of laws, as well as the so-called Code Noir for the colonies. He did not neglect the arts and sciences. The Academies of Inscriptions, Science, and Architecture were founded by him. In short, Colbert was the patron of industry, commerce, art, science, and literature the founder of a new epoch in France. He died in 1683.
His son, also named Jean Baptiste, born in 1651, succeeded his father as minister of marine, and minister of the kin household. By his capacity and energy, he raised the French navy to its highest power, and in 1684 he led in person the maritime expedition against Genoa. He died in 1690. king's