Lecture Notes on Mercantilism, Colbert, and the Commons

Colonies and the Luxury Goods Sector

• Aim: establish colonies to promote the luxury goods industry.
• Branding standards: set standards so French mirrors, French paintings, and French clothing are perceived as luxurious (Colbert).
• Economic model: free-market framework for producers (e.g., clothing makers) guided by state/royal interests.
• Political context: kings link church to state; in Protestant countries, expect different versions of Protestantism.

Common Property and Needs

• Principle: take what you need from the common stock of property that belongs to humanity.
• Condition: once basic needs are met, you are no longer in extreme need.