The Bourbon Reforms and Colonial Resistance

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the political, economic, and social changes in Spanish America during the 18th century, focusing on the Bourbon Reforms, major rebellions, and the influence of the Enlightenment.

Bourbon Reforms

A series of measures implemented by the Spanish Crown in the 18th century to recover control over its American colonies, increase revenue, and improve military defense.

Viceroyalty of New Granada

An administrative district created in 1739 as part of the new political division to better govern the growing American territories.

Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata

A political division established in 1776 that benefitted regions like Buenos Aires by facilitating exports of products like tallow and hides.

Intendencias (Intendancies)

Smaller administrative divisions created in 1782 and led by officials called 'intendentes' to collect taxes and control resources without depending on viceroys.

Superintendencia de la Real Hacienda

An institution created to manage colonial finances, which significantly reduced the power and influence of the viceroys.

Expulsion of the Jesuits

The 1767 removal of the Society of Jesus from Spanish territories ordered by Carlos III to demonstrate royal authority over a group that was autonomous and answered to the Pope.

Rebellion of the Comuneros

A 1781 uprising in New Granada triggered by high taxes and prices, where criollos and indigenous groups demanded tax reductions and access to public office.

Túpac Amaru II Rebellion

An indigenous uprising from 1780 to 1782 in the Andean region against taxes and the mita system, headed by Túpac Amaru II, who was later executed.

Mita

A system of forced labor in the Andean region that served as one of the primary causes of indigenous resistance against the colonial order.

The Enlightenment (Ilustración)

An 18th-century European intellectual movement that prioritized reason, science, and education over tradition and sought social progress.

Enlightened Despotism

A governing philosophy summarized as 'Everything for the people, but without the people,' where monarchs modernized the state while maintaining absolute power.

Manuel Belgrano

The first secretary of the Consulate of Buenos Aires (1794) who used his education in Enlightenment ideas to promote local production and specialized education.

Pulperías

General stores and social meeting places in the colonies where people gathered to talk, share news, and discuss Enlightenment ideas.

Consulate of Buenos Aires

An institution established in 1794 to resolve commercial problems and manage trade regulations, depending on the Crown and the Casa de Contratación.