Cuenca in the Nineteenth Century: “Cabildo”, Constitucional Council and Municipality, the transition from the colonial to the republican city. Aspects of urban history.

Abstract

This article analyzes the main changes and continuities in the urban history of Cuenca, in particular those related to the transformation of the main local institution, and territorial organization, the “Cabildo” or colonial “City Council”, through “Ayuntamiento” or “Constitutional City Councill”, and finally the Municipality, or the “Republican city council” during the nineteenth century. The differences between the council of the ancient regime, named “Cabildo”, the constitutional council or Ayuntamiento Constitucional, born during the “doceañismo” or liberal period and the Republican municipal corporation in the nineteenth century. This study is also interested in the consolidation of a republican model that form part of the prevailing conceptions of modernity and progress. This study gives examples of continuities or discontinuities in urban discussions and problems that were faced by Cuenca and its region during the last period of the colonial Cabildo, and during further constitutional and Republican local administration. This article also analyzes the importance of the implemantation of a local policy and regulations; public works and their impacts. Some historical aspects of this Andean city, regional and political capital of southern Ecuador are revealed. This study is mainly based on primary source documents.