Jose Galvez

Jose Galvez

Spanish lawyer and politician
Date of Birth: 02.01.1720
Country: Spain

Content:
  1. José de Gálvez: Spanish Jurist and Politician
  2. Appointment as Inspector-General of New Spain
  3. Economic Reforms
  4. Establishing a tobacco monopoly
  5. Creating local treasuries
  6. Military Reforms
  7. Expulsion of the Jesuits

José de Gálvez: Spanish Jurist and Politician

Early Career

José 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 alcohol

Combating 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.

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