# Colbert becomes controller-general of finances (1665)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1665-colbert-becomes-controller-general-of-finances
Location: France

State-directed economic policies promoted manufactures, trade and fiscal reform. Within the broader Bourbon & Ancien Régime period, Bourbon France became a leading European power through stronger royal government, global expansion, war and court culture. Fiscal strain, social privilege and Enlightenment criticism accumulated beneath the apparent strength of the Ancien Régime. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Louis XIV (King of France). Colbert becomes controller-general of finances mattered because it changed material life, state capacity, economic networks or France’s ability to project power. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Colbert becomes controller-general of finances mattered because it changed material life, state capacity, economic networks or France’s ability to project power.

Ruler at the time: [Louis XIV](https://history-france.com/rulers/louis-xiv)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Colbert becomes controller-general of finances](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Colbert+becomes+controller-general+of+finances&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Colbert becomes controller-general of finances](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Colbert+becomes+controller-general+of+finances)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)