Political Essay on the Kingdom of New Spain

Alexander von Humboldt's Political Essay on the Kingdom of New Spain is a comprehensive work detailing the geography, geology, and socio-economic conditions of Mexico during the late 18th century. It was part of his extensive scientific explorations in Spanish America between 1799 and 1804.1

The book provides detailed population statistics and descriptions of Mexico's silver mines, which later influenced investment in the region. Humboldt's work also touched upon the Bourbon reforms in Spanish America, a series of administrative and economic changes implemented by the Spanish crown in the 18th century to centralize power and increase revenue. These reforms included the creation of intendancies, reorganization of the military, and attempts to curb the influence of the church. Humboldt's impassioned critique of slavery within this context, however, went unheeded.12