José Bernardo de Gálvez Gallardo was born in Málaga,
Spain, on January 2, 1720. Andalusian by birth, Gálvez
came from a noble family of ancient lineage. His initial interests
at the age of 11 or 12, under the influence of the bishop of
Málaga, led him to the seminary. He soon gave up a priestly
calling and enrolled in the University of Salamanca. After completing
a degree in law, Gálvez gained recognition as a successful
attorney in Madrid. He became acquainted in Madrid with the French
ambassador, Marquis de Duras, who engaged him as an assistant
in the prosecution of claims at the Spanish court. While at court,
Gálvez became the private secretary of Charles III's prime
minister, the Marquis of Grimaldi.
In 1764 Gálvez was appointed a
member of the council of the Indies. From 1765-1772 José
de Gálvez became visitor general to New Spain, holding
more power than the viceroy there during most of his tenure.
As inspector general he exercised almost unlimited powers to
examine and reform administration, tribunals of justice, and
collection of revenues. The primary aims of his visita were financial
with a view to increasing the revenues of the crown.
After his arrival in New Spain, Gálvez
commenced at once visiting the provinces, giving much attention
to Sonora where an Indian revolt menaced frontier settlements.
He deliberated over the larger issue of defending the northern
frontier from Louisiana to the Californias. Alarmed over foreign
encroachment into Spanish territory by the Russians, Gálvez
began a plan that would colonize Alta California, explore to the
Aleutians, and occupy Nootka. As early as 1767, Gálvez
planned to establish San Blas as a base for naval operations in
the Gulf of California. The port was to support expeditions for
both Sonora and Alta California. It was also to support explorations
in the Gulf of Alaska.
To revitalize the process of expansion of
the northern frontier of New Spain, Gálvez proposed establishment
of a General Command of the Interior Provinces. This command was
first established in 1776 under El Caballero de Croix, who became
the first Captain General of the Provincias Internas.
Gálvez was responsible for the expulsion
of the Jesuits in New Spain. He instituted a royal monopoly on
tobacco. Through his efforts, trade with Mexico was improved and
more revenue found its way into royal coffers. Gálvez submitted
the plan for the occupation of Alta California to Fray Junípero
Serra, president of the Franciscan missions of Baja California.
After his return to Spain in 1772, Gálvez
became the leading spirit of the Council of the Indies, becoming
minister general of the Indies in 1775. His influence advanced
the fortunes of his brother, Matías de Gálvez, and
of his nephew, Bernardo de Gálvez, both of whom became
viceroys of New Spain during the 1780s.
In 1779 he founded a colony in the valley
of Sonora Mexico, which soon prospered. Gálvez was rewarded
for his efforts by being created the Marqués of Sonora.
José de Gálvez died in 1787.
Before his death, King Charles III paid a special tribute to him
by speaking of the "understanding, experience and zeal of
the present Minister of the Indies, with whom I am extremely satisfied".
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