Abstract

During the eighteenth century thousands of poor Spaniards migrated to Buenos Aires. This article analyzes the first stage of their migratory experiences. It focuses on the extent to which Bourbon policies enforced during the eighteenth century conditioned the decision to migrate and the strategies developed to travel to the River Plate. These policies were not always consistent and involved significant contradictions. In the River Plate region the Crown fostered economic growth and transformed the River Plate into an attractive place to which to migrate. This stimulus, however, was simultaneously countered by legislation restricting the free movement of Spaniards from Spain to American colonies. Therefore, most Spaniards migrating to Buenos Aires had to resort to practices that allowed them to circumvent the existing regulations. But these illegal or quasi-legal practices were accepted as legitimate by local authorities and the River Plate society, in open opposition to the norms set by the Crown in Madrid.

pdf

Share