Crime, repression and punishment in Havana under government of Miguel Tacón

Authors

  • Yolanda Díaz Martínez Dra. en Ciencias Históricas e Investigadora Titular del Archivo Nacional de la República de Cuba

Abstract

Delinquent, vagrant, and idle, were adjectives used by the Spanish colonial administration in Cuba during the 19th century to describe the population that was not adjusted to the imposed rules; the General Captains’ attention was focused on them. This article discusses the regulations introduced during the Government of Miguel Tacón to suppress crime and vagrancy. Taking into account the characterization of the subject defined as delinquent, we will demonstrate that its control,besides ensuring order, served as a mechanism of regulating the mobility of the population and the needs of labour force.

Keywords:

Crime, vagrancy, delinquents, repression