HARMFUL OR BENEFICIAL? THE DISCUSSION ON THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF BOURBON REFORMS IN BUENOS AIRES AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

This paper refers to a constantly renewed historiographical discussion about the influence of the Bourbon reforms in the economy of the American colonies. Our hypothesis is that such reforms were beneficial for Buenos Aires and its hinterland. In order to prove it we use demographic data as well as information about decimal collection, grains and meat consumption, commercial movement, taxation, wages and prices. Although a previous intention of the reformers cannot be argued, the conclusion is affirmative.