What the study found
The study finds that the Economic Society of Guatemala, a late colonial group promoting "enlightened" reforms, was closed by the Spanish Crown after its work challenged colonial rules. It also states that the society later influenced liberal regimes in Latin America.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say the society mattered because it threatened established interests in both Spain and the Americas. The study suggests that the Crown's response shows how seriously these reforms were viewed as a challenge to colonial authority.
What the researchers tested
The article examines the foundation and suppression of the Economic Society of Guatemala between 1795 and 1800. It uses previously undisclosed primary documents and the Crown's charges that the society violated laws in the Recopilación de las Leyes de los Reynos de las Indias, a Spanish legal compilation first published in 1680.
What worked and what didn't
The society presented papers that the abstract says were at odds with Spain's colonial system, including one arguing that Indians should be allowed to wear European clothing. In response, the Crown ordered the society closed in 1800.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not provide detailed limitations beyond the historical scope and the documents discussed. The summary available here is limited to the information stated in the title and abstract.
- The Economic Society of Guatemala promoted "enlightened" reforms in late colonial Guatemala.
- One paper argued that Indians should be allowed to wear European clothing.
- The Spanish Crown ordered the society closed in 1800.
- The article uses previously undisclosed primary documents about the Crown's legal charges.
- The abstract says the society later influenced liberal regimes across Latin America.
