Necker was a Swiss banker and financier, who rose to prominence in his field by making his fortunes in several Swiss banking firms.

In 1776, he was appointed as the Comptroller-General of Finances for France, replacing Turgot, responsible for managing all French financial matters. He was considered to be relatively liberal in his political views, often sympathising with the general French population due to his own middle class background. He was thus well-loved by the populace, placing him at odds occasionally with the rest of the Royal court and ministry.

His primary influence as to the course of the Revolution was his catalytic publication of the Compte Rendu. He was dismissed as Comptroller-General in early 1787 and then subsequently reinstated in 1788. Louis XVI dismissed him for the second time on 11 July 1789, which caused considerable popular dissatisfaction.

See Also

Louis XVI

Compte Rendu