Coming to power during the demoralization after the defeats of Rossbach and Krefeld, by boldness and energy he reformed and strengthened both army and navy, and, although too late to prevent the loss of Canada and India, he developed French colonies in the Antilles and San Domingo. His management of home affairs in general satisfied the "philosophes". He allowed the "Encyclopédie" to be published and brought about the banishment of the Jesuits and the temporary abolition of the order by Pope Clement XIV.