analyze the influence of the theory of mercantilism on domestic and foreign policies of france,1600-1715?

Question

I GOTTA WRITE THE INTRODUCTION OF AN A.P ESSAY WITH THIS PROMPT... ANY IDEAS???? =)

Answer 1

Mercantilism was a turning point for the french economy. It helped establish it self as one on the true European power. ...Here are a couple items that could help you....

The finance minister was faced with the daunting task of raising revenue for a king who had the expensive tastes of war making and building. Realizing that traditional taxation was already too high, Colbert worked to find new sources of royal revenue, especially those derived from trade. One such revenue source was a tariff on imports. A tariff would raise revenue and also protect French goods against foreign competition by making imports more expensive. Colbert also saw French colonies as a market for French products.

This set of beliefs, known as mercantilism, formed the basis for an economic recovery in the middle years of Louis’s reign. The protective tariff enabled new industries to develop. These, in turn, demanded skilled workers, raising wages for these workers. Higher wages eased the burden of taxation, especially for the poorer segments of society. Support of domestic manufacturing led to improvements in transportation. Thus roads were constructed, rivers were dredged to keep them navigable, and the first French canals were built.

To expand overseas trade, Colbert encouraged French citizens to establish private merchant companies as the Dutch and English had already done. For example, in 1664 the West Indies Company was established to exploit French colonies in the Caribbean, and the East Indies Company was established to trade in India. Though France was a latecomer in the quest for the products and markets of the long-distance trade, French companies slowly carved out a piece of the colonial pie. To facilitate overseas trade, Colbert expanded the French navy, which grew almost tenfold in a quarter century.....

Answer 2

If you are in an AP class, you should know how to do this. How DID the theory of mercantilism affect France during these years? Remember, this was a period of various wars, explorations, scientific discoveries and colonization and the time of Louis XIV.

Answer 3

mercantilism might have reduced the exploitation of poor developing countries by the developed countries.