born 1720, Vélez-Málaga, Spain
died 1787, Aranjuez
Spanish colonial administrator.
He was noted for his work as inspector general in New Spain (Mexico), in 1765–71, where he reorganized the tax system, formed a government tobacco monopoly, and occupied Upper California. As minister of the Indies (America) from 1775, he worked to expand commerce. He devised the intendancy system that was introduced in 1786. Gálvez is considered Spain's greatest colonial administrator.