Business obligations and family interests. The house of Jerónimo Guillermo Harmsen in Arequipa, 1841-1879

Abstract

This research work seeks to approach the main economic, social and political activities carried out by one of the most important commercial houses in the city of Arequipa during the second half of the 19th century, from its beginnings until the death of its founder, the German Jerome. William Harmsen. Likewise, it tries to understand the different emergency measures and/or business strategies adopted by his widow, María Dolores Averásturi, and those temporarily in charge of his administration, with the aim of overcoming various inconveniences, such as nonpaid debts, commitments with partners and demands of the family itself; all this, in order to avoid the definitive closure of the negotiation and in the midst of a deep economic crisis prior to the start of the dramatic War of the Pacific.