Vera Moya Sordo (München) The influence of Prize Money in the Naval Strategy of the Spanish empire during the 18th century

The main objective of this project is to understand the regulation and practice of the maritime prize system in the eighteenth-century Spanish navy, basically through privateering. An analysis of some of the main State projects of the period related to the "letter of marque", their purpose, organization and administrative structure will allow us to comprehend its varying impact on the naval strategy of the maritime Empire during times of both peace and war. The following research questions will be posed: To what extent was the prize money system an operative mechanism to obtain resources, goods and money? To what extent did it contribute to the maritime policies of the Spanish Empire? A comparative perspective with British and French systems will also permit an explanation of its significance to the main States involved in the global naval warfare of the time.

• Zeit: 15-17 Uhr c.t.
• Ort: Historicum, Raum K 201