Commerce Consulate of Buenos Aires facts for kids
The Commerce Consulate of Buenos Aires was a very important group in the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. It worked alongside the viceroy, the Cabildo (a local council), and religious groups.
The Consulate started in 1794 because local business people asked for it. It was like two groups in one:
- A special court for business problems, called the Court.
- A group focused on making the economy better, called the Governing Board.
The Consulate was directly controlled by the Spanish Crown (the King of Spain). It followed rules set by the House of Trade in Seville, Spain.
It was mostly a club for merchants. The king gave them power over trade matters. They could solve arguments and problems between merchants. The Consulate got its money by collecting taxes. Over time, it gained more control over customs (taxes on goods coming into the country).
The Secretary of the Consulate had an important job. Each year, they had to give a report. This report suggested ways to help farming, encourage industries, and protect trade in the region. Manuel Belgrano, who was the Secretary from the very beginning, wanted to turn a poor area into a rich and successful one.
Manuel Belgrano and the Consulate
Manuel Belgrano was the first and only Secretary of the Consulate. He had to be very careful when he took on this big role on June 3, 1794. He was made the permanent secretary. He wrote down the plans for how the Consulate would help the economy grow. These plans still exist today. However, what the Consulate hoped to achieve for the viceroyalty was often hard to reach.
Belgrano did not openly disagree with the authorities. Instead, he used a polite and educational tone. He often praised the king and other leaders. When he criticized something, he would talk about a problem without blaming anyone directly. He would then explain what the authorities had not done to help everyone. This made it seem like they were guilty of not taking action. Because Belgrano became secretary on June 3, this date was named Economist Day in Buenos Aires in 2003.
