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Jose GalvezSpanish lawyer and politician
Date of Birth: 02.01.1720
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- José de Gálvez: Spanish Jurist and Politician
- Appointment as Inspector-General of New Spain
- Economic Reforms
- Establishing a tobacco monopoly
- Creating local treasuries
- Military Reforms
- Expulsion of the Jesuits
José de Gálvez: Spanish Jurist and Politician
Early CareerJosé de Gálvez began his career as a lawyer at the French embassy in Madrid. He also served as a secretary to the Marquis Jerónimo Grimaldi during the "Family Pact" from 1761.
Appointment as Inspector-General of New Spain
King Charles III appointed Gálvez as inspector-general of New Spain in 1764. This role involved overseeing the viceroy, Joaquín de Montserrat.
Economic Reforms
Gálvez implemented economic reforms to increase revenues from New Spain, including:
Establishing a tobacco monopoly
Imposing new taxes on flour and alcoholCombating contraband by strengthening customs offices in Veracruz and Acapulco
Creating local treasuries
These reforms resulted in a significant increase in revenue, from 6 million pesos in 1763 to 12 million in 1773.
Military Reforms
Gálvez also attempted military reforms, but these were not approved by the king.
Expulsion of the Jesuits
In 1767, Gálvez was tasked with expelling the Jesuits from New Spain and confiscating their property. This order was implemented with efficiency and resulted in the dispossession of Jesuit holdings.