Mercantilism was born shortly after the strengthening of the monarchy. The royal decrees began to prohibit the import of textile goods and restrictions are imposed on the export of gold. Protectionist measures multiplied throughout the century. Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Minister of Finance, was the main promoter of mercantilist ideas in France, which led some to call Colbertism the French mercantilism. The economic system was based on the accumulation of wealth for which, strong restrictions on trade, protection of local industry and permanent intervention of the State in the economy were imposed. With Colbert, the French government became very involved in the economy to increase exports. He also removed barriers to trade by lowering internal customs fees and building a major network of roads and canals.(Rothbard 2006)
Écu d’argent de Louis XIV. 1690
