Some Political and Legal Aspects of Bishop García de Legazpi Velasco and Altamirano (1704-1706)

Abstract

The start of the XVII century was quite complicated for Spain and the New Spain territories in the Americas due to the break of the Succession War that was triggered by the death of the last Austrian monarch, Charles the Second. This event led to a conflict of international dimensions in which European powers intervened in order to impose their monarch who would govern in favour of their political interests in such an important country. The period, that lasted from 1700 to 1706, was one of great uncertainty because no one knew who would be heading the Spanish monarchy. Hispanic noblemen sympathized with the idea of having the grandson of Louis the XIV, Philippe V (Philippe of Anjou) consolidating himself as the future Spanish monarch. To the Spanish clergy, Philippe of Anjou’s political position in the War of Succession was centered on economic interests as well as the fear of surrendering. In this context, Bishop García de Legazpi Velazco y Altamirano played a vital role during the period of uncertainty that the New Spain territories were experiencing.