Registered Silver Production, 1580-1800: Mexico’s 18th c. boom outstripped Peru’s 16th c. (Burkholder and Johnson, p. 139)
Peru, 3 phases:
- 16th c. boom, -1620
- 17th c. decline, -1720
- 18th c. recovery, 1720+
Mexico, 4 phases:
- 16th c. boom, -1610
- 17th c. dip, 1630-70
- 17th c. recovery
- 18th c. boom, 1720+
Why 18th c boom?
- New strikes, more areas
- Cheaper mercury, taxes
- More investment