# John Law establishes Banque Générale (1716)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1716-john-law-establishes-banque-generale
Location: Paris

A financial experiment sought to manage debt and stimulate the economy. 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 XV (King of France). John Law establishes Banque Générale 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
John Law establishes Banque Générale mattered because it changed material life, state capacity, economic networks or France’s ability to project power.

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

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — John Law establishes Banque Générale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=John+Law+establishes+Banque+G%C3%A9n%C3%A9rale&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — John Law establishes Banque Générale](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=John+Law+establishes+Banque+G%C3%A9n%C3%A9rale)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)