Years of difficulties: The Caja de Ahorros of the Province of Cartagena, New Granada, 1843-1853

Abstract

The article analyzes the circumstances under which was created the first Caja de Ahorro of the province of Cartagena, and how it worked between 1843 and 1853. It also explores the benefits that this institution offered to its depositors and its policies to recruit savers, as well as the limitations and obstacles faced by this Caja de Ahorro in the middle of the economic crisis that characterized this province during the years under study. We argue that the elite and authorities of this province organized this type of saving institution as a mechanism to create frugal living habits and to shape and discipline the living style of Cartagena’s popular sectors.