The projection of an enlightened minister in Málaga: José de Gálvez

Abstract

In the Spain of the 18th century, there was a series of personalities influenced by the enlightenment ideas, who had big concerns that would lead to the modernisation and development of the country. José de Gálvez was one of them, being an outstanding person in the History of Málaga. He was born in Macharaviaya (Málaga) and, shortly after finishing the degree of laws, he began his professional activity in the Court. Carlos III designated him Visitor and during the six year of his government his intervention was very controversial, but at the same time decisive in the territorial expansion of the Upper California, where a series of Franciscan missions were founded. As Minister of the Indies, he was directly involved in the economic and educational development of Málaga, and specially Macharaviaya. The establishment of Montepío de Viñeros, Real Academia de Náuticas de San Telmo and Consulado del Mar were the most notable ones. These institutions, along with the implementation of public works and the trade of the harbour of Malaga with the North of Europe and America, gave a strong impulse to the economy of Málaga at the end of the 18th century.