Contraband Trade in the Hispanic Atlantic World

The early modern Hispanic Atlantic world was deeply shaped by contraband trade, a pervasive and multifaceted practice that both complemented and undermined Spain’s official trading system. This chapter offers an overview of how historians today think about his phenomenon. It begins by outlining the official trading system established by Spain and its inherent flaws. The chapter then delves into the various forms of illicit trade, by both Spanish and foreign merchants, that infiltrated the Spanish Atlantic, highlighting the widespread and pervasive nature of contraband. It examines the challenges and opportunities in studying this practice, and how the inhabitants of Spanish America engaged with it. The chapter argues that contraband trade was central to the functioning of the Hispanic Atlantic and played a crucial role in shaping the broader Atlantic world. By examining the interactions between Spanish American inhabitants and contraband trade, the chapter provides insights into the economic, social, and political dynamics of the period. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of contraband trade in understanding the development of the Hispanic Atlantic world and its impact on global trade networks.