Inns, mules, and hardtack for the voyage: the local economy of the Manila Galleon in Mexico

This article argues that, in Mexico, the Manila Galleon fostered local manufacturing, promoted regional trade networks, and enabled Indians and people of mixed ancestry to participate in a monetized economy along with Spanish colonists. Several activities related to the ships’ annual embarkment at Acapulco illustrate this economic impact, including the delivery of provisions like hardtack, the transportation of merchandise, and the administration of services to travelers