Financial management in Lisbon between two reigns and an earthquake: municipal expenses (1706-1777)

Abstract

This study fits into the historiography on the evolution of the management of local public finance and its importance in the construction of Early Modern European States. The analysis of Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, in the 18^th century, covering the reigns of D. João V and D. José, a period of political transformations, also marked by the 1755 earthquake, aims to reveal behaviours in terms of financial administration concerning the municipal expenditure. The hypothesis is that the proximity to the Court may contribute to specific behaviours, and also that an extraordinary event (earthquake) may have served as a trigger for new changes. Thus, the evolution of expenditure flows in the main municipality of the kingdom is explored, assessing the undertaken administrative policies and the impact of the conjuncture on those expenses.