La población del corregimiento de Carangas (virreinato del Río de la Plata) a fines del siglo XVIII

Abstract

This article analyzes the characteristics of the population of Carangas (end 18th century): its activities and its tributary obligations. For an evaluation and demographic quantification we have used fiscal sources, which cover most of this High Andean district (partido or corregimiento). The analysis of the information of these fiscal censuses, together with other sources which show economic activities, will allow us to perceive the strategies of the tributaries when confronted with the impoverishment that overtook the corregimiento at this time. The analysis of the tributary amounts and the increase in the category of forasteros ("outsiders") leads us to conclude that, in the face of their economic difficulties, the population sought strategies within the established fiscal system to reduce their real rates of tribute.