Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to describe the measures adopted by the government and the Church to face the sustenance crisis of 1785-1786. This crisis was the result of severe droughts, early freezes and excessive rains that depleted the corn harvests. The crisis led to unemployment, hunger, migration, epidemics and death. To solve these problems, Don Bernardo de Gálvez, Viceroy of New Spain, ordered the implementation of several measures such as public kitchens to feed the poor, emergency shelter for the poor (women, children and the disabled), provide employment to the young and to healthy adults in State public works and in the Church; foster agriculture by irrigation and the search for kitchen recipes that could substitute corn. In conclusion, the purpose of Gálvez' measures was to protect social peace in New Spain and hence, the State and the Church's economic interests.

Keywords:  unemployment; poverty; mortality; hunger; migration