During the 20th century, the institution called central bank was diffused globally. However, central banking practices differed significantly between European market-based economies and developing economies. This paper traces the ideas and norms that shaped and legitimized central banking...

1. Introduction. A distinctive proponent of classical political economy in the Spanish-speaking world -- 2. The Absolutism six-year Period (1814-1820). Encountering Smith and Say -- 3. The Liberal Triennium (1820-1823). Mora, Bentham and radical liberalism -- 4. London (1824-1827). The approach...