The first time I encountered the bronze statue of Jean Baptiste Colbert, situated in the center of the roundabout facing the Reims train station, was on the first day of my arrival. A day before orientation began I met up with GW Paris study abroad director Florence, a warm-hearted French national who was visiting Reims to meet me and take me out for lunch. The restaurant we were heading to was just past the 20-foot bronze statue of Colbert dressed in royal garments. At the time, I didn't think much of the statue when Florence casually pointed out how he was the economic mister to Louis the 16th and how he was born in Reims, to me he was just another French historical figure.
My following encounters with the statue occurred whenever I would walk to the train station to catch a train into Paris or to another city in France. The circular path encapsulating the statue is unavoidable on my walk to the Reims train station, however I still did not pay any attention to the statue. It wasn’t until my Why France Matters professor pointed out the significance of his work and legacy. His array duties under the King gives evidence that his interests and influenced were not just limited to France’s financial objectives, for he was also the secretary of state in charge of the Navy.
Despite his far-reaching influence over Louis the 16th and prominent political role, I was only interested in finding out whether or not Jean Baptiste Colbert is regarded as a historical hero. From what my professor explained it seems to me that those who are committed to the philosophy of laissez faire economics see Colbert as its nemesis, for he imposed strict governmental regulation over the French market. On the other hand, those who sympathize with him recognize the dire state of the economy before Colbert tried to reform it. I identify more with this perspective because Colbert’s strict economic policies were his attempt to control the disorder of the marketplace, and combat an economic crisis with the tools he had available.
It is widely accepted Colbert was not the greatest statesman, but I do respect his appreciation for the ideas of men who were trying to break with the old ordering of society and create states’ policy. In his strive to reform the economy the creation of his “New Deal” legislation represented a shift in the chaotic system of taxation, a practice of medieval times. Colbert’s economic reconstruction within France ultimately helped make France one of the dominant powers in Europe, and is a figure many French people are proud of today.
Now when I walk past the statue I take more notice of the people who are also walking by who gaze up at it, and sometimes even snap a picture. Seeing patriotism in a different country has always interested me, for it gives perspective on how different people and countries identify themselves and take pride in their nationality.