Bourbon Reforms in New Spain

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Questions and Answers

What was one of the primary objectives of the Bourbon Reforms in the political organization of New Spain?

Reintegrating traditional viceroys into the administration

Reinstating the audience as the main governing body

Establishing independent provincial governments

Removing criollo influence from government positions (correct)

Which economic change was a direct result of the Bourbon Reforms?

A restriction on trade to only specific ports

A decrease in tax revenues for the Crown

An expansion of trade to allow all ports with colonies (correct)

A centralization of wealth in criollo hands

What cultural impact did the Bourbons aim for with their reforms in New Spain?

To revitalize local traditions in governance

To enhance the power of the criollos

To support indigenous autonomy

To establish a Spanish bureaucratic system (correct)

What was a significant outcome of the Bourbon Reforms in New Spain concerning military presence?

The establishment of a standing army to protect the territory Signup and view all the answers

How did the displacement of criollos from positions of power ultimately affect New Spain?

It generated resentment that contributed to calls for independence Signup and view all the answers

What led to the decline of Spain's naval power on the Sevilla-Veracruz route by 1620?

Constant pirate attacks and poor ship conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which event triggered the War of the Spanish Succession?

The death of Charles II without an heir Signup and view all the answers

What was one major goal of the Bourbon Reforms initiated by Charles III?

To consolidate the absolute monarchy and centralize power Signup and view all the answers

Who was sent to New Spain to implement the Bourbon Reforms?

Jose de Galvez Signup and view all the answers

How did the Bourbon Reforms affect the relationship between the Crown and local interests?

They prioritized the interests of the Crown over individuals or corporations Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the trade ban with Peru in 1631?

Decrease in trade with the Philippines Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following outcomes resulted from the Bourbon Reforms?

Improved administrative and financial control Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the alliance formed against Spain during the War of the Spanish Succession?

Concern over the potential alliance between France and Spain Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary political goals of the Bourbon Reforms?

To establish more centralized control over the empire Signup and view all the answers

How did the Bourbon Reforms impact the silver mining industry in New Spain?

It helped to revitalize and increase productivity significantly Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the intended effects of reviving the imperial fleet system?

To increase the predictability of trade between Spain and its colonies Signup and view all the answers

In New Granada, how were the Bourbon Reforms perceived overall?

They were largely ineffective and sometimes counterproductive Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the irregular schedule of the fleet ships in New Granada?

Heightened difficulties in trade and increased contraband Signup and view all the answers

Which approach did the Bourbon Reforms use to attempt to regain control over trade?

Reviving the imperial fleet system for efficient trade Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a notable effect of the Bourbon Reforms in New Spain post-1750?

Significant economic growth and increased silver production Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of trade was disrupted due to the Bourbon Reforms in New Granada?

Regularity in the transport of goods between Spain and colonies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Habsburg dynasty ruled New Spain from 1521 to 1700.
Bourbon dynasty, of French origin, took over after Charles II's death.
A patrimonialist system developed under Habsburgs. Public offices bought, officials imposed taxes, monopolies developed, and corruption controlled the crown.

Bourbon Reforms

King Charles III implemented Enlightenment-inspired policies to modernize Spain and its colonies (the "Bourbon Reforms").
Reforms aimed at political-administrative, economic, military, and cultural modernization in the Americas.
The goal was to regain control over American colonies, and make them more profitable for Spain.
They aimed to assert the Crown's control over all aspects of the colonies, administrative, economic and political.

Latin America and the Bourbon Reforms

Bourbon reforms aimed to revitalize Spain's declining Empire in the Americas.
The reforms sought to increase royal control, end smuggling, and improve the taxation system.
Modernize the transatlantic trade routes, which were often controlled by private traders.
Increased the Spanish Empire's control over its territories, but also created opposition and discontent in colonies.

The Empire and Bourbon Reforms

Spanish empire in the Americas had declined economically for decades before the Bourbon dynasty.
Bourbon reforms aimed to make the empire profitable again.
Key goals of reforms: end smuggling, control over transatlantic trade, modernize the tax system, and control over regional administration.

New Spain (Mexico)

The century from 1640-1750 was a period of economic decline in New Spain.
Bourbon attempts were made to revitalize the economy, especially through the silver mines, but reforms also had negative impacts.

New Granada

Reforms in New Granada (modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador) were largely ineffective, and at times counterproductive.
Attempts to improve trade and economic productivity failed in parts.
The reform strategy of using a more regular system of imperial fleets caused chaos in trade instead.

Decline of Spanish Naval Power

Spain had a significant naval force in the 16th century
Trade routes were used to transport silver and goods to Europe and Asia.
Smuggling significantly damaged Spain's trade.
Loss of naval power and increased piracy negatively influenced Spain's trade.
The death of Charles II and succession struggle caused internal conflict and a decline.

The Reforms in New Spain

Charles III (1759) initiated Bourbon Reforms.
José de Galvez was sent to enforce reforms in New Spain.
Goals of Bourbon reforms: strengthen monarchy, collect more revenue, control colonies more directly.
Centralizing power (royal control over all aspects).
Reorganize the bureaucracy with appointed officials instead of colonial aristocracy.
Tax reforms to increase revenue. The reforms aimed for more efficient tax collection.

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Description

This quiz explores the transition from the Habsburg to Bourbon dynasties in New Spain, highlighting the significant reforms implemented by King Charles III. It examines the objectives and impacts of these Enlightenment-inspired strategies aimed at modernizing the Spanish Empire in the Americas. Test your understanding of this critical period in colonial history.