Abstract

MARTIN BLAZQUEZ, Francisco Miguel. The General Auditors of War in New Spain: The Dynamics of Military Justice during the Twilight of the Viceroyalty. Estud. hist. novohisp [online]. 2024, n.70, pp.215-245.  Epub Apr 05, 2024. ISSN 2448-6922.  https://doi.org/10.22201/iih.24486922e.2024.70.77793.

This paper presents an approach to the profile of the general auditors of war during the last decades of the viceroyalty of New Spain. On the basis of a socio-professional study that delves into those who held the post, focusing on elements referring to their judicial practice and their respective particular and family strategies for promotion, the objective is to reconstruct some procedures within the dynamics of the high viceregal administration. We will start by collating information gathered from the preceding bibliography and, mainly, from documentation found in Spanish and Mexican archives. In doing so, we seek to contribute to the study of the functioning of Bourbon military justice and its operatives in overseas environments within the Spanish monarchy, appreciating the effects that reformist processes, the establishment of permanent armies or different wartime situations exerted on these ministers.

Keywords : War auditor; New Spain, 18th century; military justice; Mexican war of Independence.