Representations of the Coatzacoalcos during the maritime and strategic transformations of the Hispanic Monarchy along the 18th century

Abstract

The objective of this text is to study two pairs of maps (1707 and c. 1725) focused on the Coatzacoalcos river. Both had the purpose of including that area in the maritime transformations of the Hispanic monarchy proposed since the beginning of the century. Those maps pointed out the resources that could be extracted from that area and also showed the best place to establish a shipyard and a defensive position. This subject was necessary because the attacks of the enemies have been increased along the Caribe, especially after the Utrecht treaties. Both pairs of maps have similarities that suggest that the geostrategic information about the Coatzacoalcos's river was shared and had continuity in the interest of the Spanish authorities. This also allows us to see how maps were instruments of power used as rhetorical resources in such discussions.