Description
Royal Decree, October 21, 1817, on increasing the populat
Book Summary
This work presents the full text of the Royal Decree promulgated by Ferdinand VII on October 21, 1817, a key legal provision for understanding the migratory and demographic policy of colonial Cuba. The document, promoted by the Royal Economic Society of Havana, sought to counterbalance the demographic weight of the enslaved population by encouraging the immigration of white Catholic settlers. The reader will find not only the legal articles but also the historical context that reveals the racial tensions and fears of the Spanish elite following the Haitian Revolution, offering an essential primary source for the study of Cuban history and 19th-century social control policies.
What is it about?
The Royal Decree of 1817 is a legal document that repealed all previous provisions limiting the entry of immigrants and foreigners into the Island of Cuba. Its main objective was to increase the white population to balance the demographic composition, which was numerically dominated by the enslaved population of African origin. The regulation established very specific conditions for the new settlers: they had to be white, profess the Catholic religion, and dedicate themselves to productive trades such as mason, farmer, carpenter, or cooper. Preference was given to the arrival of Spanish families and, failing that, citizens of friendly nations who met these requirements. The publication of this decree was a direct response to the fear held by Spanish authorities that the events of the Haitian Revolution, where the Black population had seized power, would be repeated in Cuba.
Main themes
- Migratory policy in 19th-century colonial Cuba.
- Demographic and racial control strategies promoted by the Spanish Crown.
- Historical context of the fear of slave insurrection following the Haitian Revolution.
- Legislation on selective immigration based on race, religion, and occupation.
- Role of local institutions, such as the Royal Economic Society of Havana, in shaping public policy.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at historians, researchers, and students of Latin American and Caribbean history, especially those focused on the Cuban colonial period, racial policies, and slavery studies. It is also of great interest to legal professionals interested in the evolution of immigration legislation and to readers with a curiosity for primary sources that explain the formation of Cuban identity and society.
What this book contributes
- Direct access to a fundamental primary historical source for understanding the demographic policies of Bourbon Spain in America.
- Understanding of the social and political context that led the Cuban elite to promote white immigration as a control mechanism.
- Analysis of the specific conditions (race, religion, trade) that defined citizenship and integration in 19th-century Cuba.
- Perspective on the impact of the Haitian Revolution on the colonial policies of other powers in the region.
Technical specifications
- Author: Various, Authors
- Publisher: Linkgua Ediciones
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: CLASSIC TEXTS
- Collection: LAWS
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: April 2025
- Number of pages: 26
- Weight: 100 g
Editorial review
This is an accessible edition of a legal document of great historical relevance, presented in a manageable and affordable format. For the specialized public, it is a tool for direct consultation that avoids searching through archives. For the general reader, it offers a concise yet deep window into the racial tensions and social engineering policies that shaped 19th-century Cuban society. Its value lies in the authenticity of the content and the clarity with which it exposes the motivations of a colonial elite in the face of a demographic shift perceived as a threat.