How did the Napoleonic Wars affect Guatemala’s colonial economy?

The Napoleonic Wars significantly disrupted the colonial economy of the Kingdom of Guatemala by destabilizing Spanish maritime trade. The resulting interference with shipping, compounded by locust plagues and increased competition from other regions, led to a notable decline in indigo exports during the first two decades of the 19th century.1

Following the French invasion of Spain in 1808, the economic burden on the colony intensified. The Spanish government imposed higher taxes and demanded "patriotic donations" to fund resistance efforts against the French, further straining the local economy. While these hardships occurred, the colonial administration remained loyal to the government at Cádiz, which attempted to maintain support through reforms, such as the Cádiz Constitution of 1812, which introduced colonial representation and expanded the role of municipal and provincial councils.1