Discuss the nature and impact of the Bourbon reforms.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the Bourbon reforms in terms of their nature and impact. Although both nature and impact must be addressed, allow for some imbalance in each candidate’s treatment of the two factors. Candidates may refer to the economic, territorial and political nature of the reforms and their relationship to the Enlightenment. They may consider their impact on tax collection and social unrest. They may refer to the effect of specific reforms, such as Decrees of Free Trade, the intendancies or the establishment of new viceroyalties. Candidates may discuss how the reforms clashed with the local elites’ interests and their reactions to reforms. They may refer to the impact on the indigenous population and mestizos. They may consider the links between the reforms and rebellions in Southern and Alto Perú such as Túpac Amaru.