El marqués de la Ensenada y la vía reservada en el gobierno de la Hacienda americana: un proyecto de equipo

This article examines the reforms of the marquis of la Ensenada concerning the administration of the royal finances in the three viceroyalties of Spanish America, and how they fit in a broad vision of the Hispanic finances. I explore the ways in which the personal ties between the minister and the viceroys helped formulate a coherent project but also altered the initial scheme. Analysis of the concept of “vía reservada” and its meaning, for those involved in the discussions, suggests that we need to revise the reasons behind the rejection of “intendencias”.