ABSTRACT
Early in the sixteenth century Francis I introduced from Milan the cultivation of mulberry trees and the manufacture of silk.l Since silk was a luxury product, which was very expensive at that time, only small quantities were consumed and the output of silk could not be compared with the output of woollen or linen cloth. Henry IV encouraged the manufacture of linen and woollen cloth and glassware by persuading Flemish artisans to settle in France. He also endeavoured to encourage the silk industry. After he had suppressed the nobles Cardinal Richelieu turned his attention to the economy and he tried to stimulate the expansion of trade and industry. He fostered the growth of the manufacture of silks, velvets, and woollens in Rouen. He founded trading companies, encouraged the fishing industry, and created a splendid fleet. Subsequently Cardinal Mazarin promoted the establishment of cloth workshops in Sedan by granting important privileges to the manufacturers - including even patents of nobility. But all Mazarin's efforts had insignificant results compared with the achievements of Colbert in Louis XIVs reign.
