The Council of the Indies (El Real y Supremo Consejo de las Indias) operated from 1524 to 1834 and was the supreme governing body of the Spanish Empire in the Americas and Spanish East Indies. Reporting directly to the monarch, the Council had tremendous political, military, economic, and judicial powers over colonies and officials in the 16th and 17th centuries.
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Definition
Timeline
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1524 - 1834The Council of the Indies governs Spanish territories in the Americas.
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Aug 1524The Council of the Indies is formed to govern Spanish colonies in the Americas.
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1714The military responsibilities of the Council of the Indies are transferred to the Spanish Ministry of the Navy and the Indies.
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c. 1789The powers of the Council of the Indies in Spain are greatly reduced.
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1812 - 1814The advisory function of the Council of the Indies is temprorarly removed.
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1834The Council of the Indies is formally closed down.
