Reform and management of public debt. The “Junta de Caudales Comunes” of Majorca (1758-1812)

Abstract

This article analyzes the Junta de Caudales Comunes of Majorca after the publication of the royal decree of the 6th of April, 1758. The new organism, which supplanted the Junta de la Universal Consignación, had the objective to rationalize the consigned taxation and to decrease the debt of medieval origin. The reform of the management administration is part of the intervention process of the monarchy in the local finances during the second half of the 18th century. The article is divided in three sections: origin and evolution of the debt, description of the new managing institution and fiscal analysis of income and expenses.