Anthony Levi states, “by the end of the 1660’s France was again in full economic bloom.” Louis XIV was not an expert on economics and he was fully aware of this, therefore he designated an “economic czar” (Murray Rothbard) Jean-Baptiste Colbert. Colbert is almost solely responsible for France’s economic growth. Through the economic guidance of Colbert, France was able to improve various aspects of its nation. Louis’s foreign policy was extremely aggressive, it allowed for him to acquire a vast amount of territory. Their navy fleet was increased by a third, according to Anthony Levi. Correspondingly, this set the stage for modern day mercantilism, they created companies to trade with overseas. As the navy fleet grew, Louis was able to sanction
