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Notice from the Marquis de la Mina on the dissemination of seditious pamphlets, rewarding whoever gives information. 1766

Date
1766
Archive
National Archive of Catalonia
Document type
Textual
Reference code
ANC1-16-T-113
Link to the online document
Description

This warning from the Marquis de la Mina, captain general of Catalonia in 1766, is part of the context of social and political tension arising from the subsistence riot known as the Esquilache Riot, which shook several cities in the State that year. The order prohibits the dissemination of seditious pamphlets—handwritten or printed pamphlets with critical or subversive content—and offers a reward to those who report their authors. The document reflects the concern of the Bourbon authorities to control public opinion and avoid social unrest, at a time when enlightened reforms met with popular resistance. This piece fits the criteria of typological diversity (government document), of institutional background and of political and social themes, and shows how Catalonia participated in the conflicts and control mechanisms typical of 18th century Europe.