Bourbon Reforms in New Spain

The royal family that ruled New Spain from 1521 to 1700.

Modernization efforts in Spanish colonies, driven by Charles III, to improve Spain's relationship with colonies.

Political system in New Spain where public offices were bought, taxes were imposed, and monopolies were protected.

Bourbon king who initiated Bourbon Reforms.

French royal family that replaced the Habsburgs in Spain.

Habsburg king who died without a direct descendant, leading to the Bourbon takeover.

The Spanish Empire's profitability had decreased before the Bourbons took over.

New methods of managing the colonies after a shift in the ruling dynasty.

To end smuggling, control transatlantic trade, modernize taxation, and centralize empire control.

New Spain, after economic decline from 1640-1750, saw increased silver mining and trade under the Bourbon Reforms, resulting in more profitability and growth.

Bourbon Reforms in New Granada were mostly unsuccessful; efforts to gain control away from smugglers and other colonial powers, like Great Britain, and to control trading through the imperial fleet, ultimately failed.

A planned system of Spanish ships regularly traveling between Spain and its colonies to manage trade.

The irregular and unpredictable nature of the Imperial Fleet system led to elevated rates of contraband trade.

New Spain's economy experienced a significant downturn.

Bourbons attempted to boost colonial economies by lessening government interference (controls) in industries like mining and trade.

Spanish officials appointed to govern municipalities in the Americas during the Bourbon Reforms. They were responsible for tax collection, justice enforcement, and economic control.

Officials who reported to the intendants, replacing major officers in the colonies. They were meant to reduce the power of the viceroys and the Audiencia.

People born in the Americas of Spanish descent. They were displaced from positions of power by Spanish officials during the Bourbon Reforms.

The Bourbon Reforms aimed to increase trade between Spain and its colonies by allowing all ports to trade, not just select ones.

While increasing Spain's revenue, the Bourbon Reforms led to resentment among criollos due to their displacement from power, contributing to later independence movements.

The death of Charles II without an heir led to a power struggle between the Habsburgs and Bourbons, who both wanted control of the Spanish Empire. This conflict resulted in the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714).

The Habsburgs were a royal family that ruled Spain for a long period. They were involved in a conflict with the Bourbons over succession to the Spanish throne.

The House of Bourbon, another royal family, took over Spain after the War of the Spanish Succession. They implemented reforms aimed at centralizing power and finances.

A series of changes implemented by Charles III, a Bourbon king, to improve the management of the Spanish colonies. These reforms aimed to centralize power, modernize administration, and strengthen the crown’s control.

The Bourbons sought to strengthen the monarchy's control over the colonies, aiming to increase efficiency, improve financial management, and ensure greater loyalty to the crown.

Jose de Galvez was sent to New Spain in 1765 to put the Bourbon Reforms into practice. He played a crucial role in implementing these changes.

The Bourbon Reforms modernized the administration of the colonies and strengthened the Spanish crown’s control. This led to a more efficient tax collection and a greater presence of royal officials.

The war led to the Bourbons taking control of Spain and implementing changes to improve the empire's political and economic situation through the Bourbon Reforms.