Editing Lorient (section)

=== HISTORY OF THE PORT: THE "WEST INDIES COMPANY" ===

The City of Lorient was created in 1666 on August 30 by Colbert, Louis XIV’s chief minister. For centuries, its commercial development was linked to its international trading activity.

* '''1664 :''' creation of the West Indies by Colbert in order to supply the French market with Asian products.

* '''1666 :''' creation of the Faouëdic naval construction site. This gives birth to the City of Lorient, which becomes a hub for commercial ships coming from and going to Asia (spices, teas, porcelain, fabrics, silk...).

* '''1719 :''' creation of the 2nd Indies Company after the first one collapsed (1703). The trade monopoly with the Africa, Louisiana, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and the China Sea colonies insures prosperity to the city for years. The company goes bankrupt in 1769

* '''1766 :''' construction of the first commercial wharf outside the India Company’s enclosure

* '''1785 :''' creation of the 3rd Indies Company. The company’s commercial monopoly is abolished by the revolution in 1790

* '''1794 :''' The Indies Company was terminated by decree. Lorient is proclaimed a military port in 1791