Editing Jean-Baptiste Colbert (section)

===Economic theory===
{{Further|Colbertism|Protectionism}}

Having introduced a measure of order and economy into the workings of the government, Colbert called for the enrichment of the country by means of commerce. Through Colbert's ''[[dirigiste]]'' policies,{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} France fostered manufacturing enterprises in a wide variety of fields. The authorities established new industries, protected inventors, invited in workmen from foreign countries, and prohibited French workmen from emigrating.<ref name=EB1911/>

To maintain the character of French goods in foreign markets as well as to afford a guarantee to the domestic consumer, Colbert had the quality and quantity of each article fixed by law, punishing breaches of the regulations by public exposure of the delinquent and destruction of the goods concerned, and, on the third offense, by the [[pillory]]. Colbert prohibited the production of certain products that might have suited consumers, and the time-consuming supervision he imposed on commercial enterprises may have acted as a hindrance to improvement. Other parts of Colbert's schemes have met with less equivocal condemnation.<ref name=EB1911/>

By his firm maintenance of the [[corporation]] system, each industry remained in the hands of certain privileged ''[[bourgeois]]'';  while the lower classes found opportunities of advancement closed.  He did, however, wisely consult the interests of internal commerce.<ref name=EB1911/>

Unable to abolish the duties on the passage of goods from [[provinces of France|province to province]], he did what he could to induce the provinces to equalize them.<ref name=EB1911/> Currency exchange rates still remained between these provinces despite a policy focusing on the unification of French trade.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} His régime improved roads and canals. [[Pierre Paul Riquet]] (1604–1680) planned and constructed the [[Canal du Midi]] under Colbert's patronage.<ref name=EB1911/>

To encourage overseas trade with the [[Levant]], [[Senegal]], [[Guinea]] and other places, Colbert granted privileges to companies, but, like the noted [[Louis XIV's East India Company|French East India Company]], all proved unsuccessful.<ref name=EB1911/>