Jacques Necker was a prominent French statesman and finance minister during the late 18th century. Born in 1732, he is best known for his role in the financial administration of King Louis XVI. Necker advocated for fiscal reforms and transparency in government finances, which made him popular among the public. Necker's policies aimed to address the financial crisis facing France, but his efforts were met with resistance from the nobility. He was dismissed in 1781 but returned briefly in 1788 as the country faced increasing unrest, ultimately contributing to the events leading up to the French Revolution.