The genius of Colbert was severely taxed to supply the means for Louis' magnificent tastes and for his foreign wars, at the same time.

Even Colbert could not create money out of nothing.

The burden must rest somewhere, and just as surely must ultimately be borne by the people.
The choice of Louvois as Minister of War was no less happy than that of Colbert in Finance.

And with Vauban to build his defences, Turenne and Luxembourg and the great Conde to lead his armies, it is not strange that there were victories.
The four great wars of Louis' reign were not for theatrical effect, like that of the fanciful Charles VIII.

in Italy.