LESSONS OF THE LEVANT: EARLY MODERN FRENCH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

In the Levant, French mercantilism beat the British and Dutch at their own game, acquiring a dominant commercial position in trade with the Ottoman Empire in the era between 1660 and 1750. Privileges granted to a host of individuals, groups and geographical entities ranging front Languedocian woolens producers to the free port of Marseille enabled France to make the most of its opportunities in the Levant. This evolution nuances entrenched understandings of early modern political economy which overemphasize both Atlantic trade and a problematic notion of British experience.