Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Jean- Baptiste Colbert was born in a merchant's family on August 29, 1619 in Reims, France. He
served as controller and general minister of finance in 1665 and secretary of state for the
navy from 1668 under King Louis XIV. He carried out the program of
economic reconstruction that helped make France the dominant power in Europe. He saw the
advantages of Louis XIV's decision to establish a colony at Placentia. This would create a
principal fishing base in Newfoundland and a communication link with New France. Colbert wanted
to continue the trade of Newfoundland fish with the Indies of the Caribbean and ensure control
of the continent, so he pushed for the settlement at Placentia. He wanted all colonies to
contribute to the mother country's wealth. He died in September 1683.
