The Indigenous Tribute in the Viceroyalty of Peru during the Liberal Triennium (1820–1824)

Abstract

From September 1820, Spanish policy in Peru was determined by the 1812 Constitution. Despite the fact that this constitution established a single fiscal system for all citizens during the Liberal Triennium (September 1820-March 1824), the indigenous tribute continued to be collected, under the name of tribute/contribution of natives. This became the primary source of fiscal income, key to sustaining the costs of the war, and for this reason, the article analyzes the collection mechanisms, ethnic resistance and their exemption, for payment or conscription, aimed at gaining loyalty and pacifying insurgent areas. The article concludes with a reflection on the role/persistence of ethnic authorities in a period when, de facto, Indian chiefdoms and “cabildos” were abolished.