Commerce raiding and social climbing

Raiding provided a tremendous boost for the local economy, and the ship-owners and captains involved in this activity earned tens of thousands of livres. Privateering thus provided a social ladder; during the 18^th century, it provided impetus for the emergence of mercantilism and brought both titles and official offices to the most daring and clever of its practitioners. At the same time, it played a role in shaking up Ancien Régime society, which was not accustomed to welcoming newcomers into its ranks.