Jose Canga Arguelles Spanish count, statesman Date of Birth: 17.07.1770 Country: Spain

1. Early Life and Career
2. Involvement in Economic and Political Affairs
3. War against Napoleon and Political Exile
4. Return and Financial Reforms
5. Restoration of Absolutism and Exile
6. Return to Spain and Later Life

Early Life and Career

Spanish count and statesman, Francisco Javier de Burgos y del Olmo, was born on October 19, 1770, in Motril, Granada.

Involvement in Economic and Political Affairs

Burgos played a significant role in the economic and political development of Spain. He served as the Minister of Finance and authored influential works on economics, including "Diccionario de Hacienda" (1826-27) and "Elementos de la Ciencia de Hacienda" (1825).

War against Napoleon and Political Exile

During the Peninsular War, Burgos actively participated in the fight against French invasion. He was a member of the Cadiz Cortes, which adopted the Spanish Constitution of 1812. However, after the restoration of King Ferdinand VII, Burgos was exiled.

Return and Financial Reforms

The 1820 revolution allowed Burgos to return to Spain and assume the role of Minister of Finance. He implemented extraordinary measures to address the severe budget deficit, including confiscating a portion of the clergy's property, selling Spanish colonies in North Africa, and reducing government positions.

Restoration of Absolutism and Exile

The return of absolutism forced Burgos to flee to England, where he continued his scholarly work. He published "Observaciones sobre la Historia de la Guerra de España" (1833-36), providing valuable insights into the conflict.

Return to Spain and Later Life

In 1829, Burgos was granted permission to return to Spain. He became an archivist in Simancas and published his final opus, "Diccionario de Hacienda" (1827-28), a comprehensive financial dictionary.