On the liberalization of corn trade between the Enlightenment and the Liberal era. José María de Zuaznavar and the case of Navarre (1817-1818)

Abstract

Debates on corn trade were constant in Europe in the 18^th century, as this was a source of concern for governments and an object for discussion for many economic authors. The advent of classical political economy slowly made these discussions fade away, but nevertheless, at the beginning of the nineteenth century this matter remained unsolved. This paper analyses the debates on the liberalization of corn trade in the very particular framework of the Kingdom of Navarre, a part of the Spanish Monarchy, at the key moment of the meeting of the Kingdom legislative assembly in 1817-18. Liberalizing positions, supported by most of the local elites, clashed with much more moderate stances represented by the Viceroy and one of his chief counsellors, José María Zuaznavar. He was the author of a noteworthy text on this matter, which, grounded on well-known authors of the 18^th century, and with a praiseworthy analytical level, sponsored a much more prudent liberalization of corn markets.