Jacques Necker

Necker, Jacques (1732–1804), Swiss-born French banker; finance minister under Louis XVI. In 1777 he tried to raise money to support French involvement in the American Revolution. Later, before the States-General, he proposed sweeping public reforms. His dismissal (1789) led to the storming of the Bastille. Once more he was recalled to office, but he resigned in 1790.

See also: France.