Catalan Harvesters’ Revolt & 18th-Century Europe: A Deep Dive
The Revolt of the Harvesters (1640-1652)
The Problem in Catalonia
The problem with soldiers who had to stay in Catalonia worsened around the year 1640. As a result of hunger and hardship that the war imposed on the population, a Catalan peasant rebellion began in Santa Coloma de Farnés when farmers refused to house the soldiers. The highlight of this revolt occurred on June 7 with the events of the Corpus of Blood. A group of reapers who had gone to Barcelona faced the authorities, and there were several deaths. The revolt was a protest by the harvesters, the poorest groups in society, against both the noble lords and the tax policies that the authorities forced them to bear to cover the costs of war.
The Confrontation with the Monarchy
The wealthy and ruling classes were intimidated by the Principality of the peasant rebellion and wanted to capitalize on their own goals. Pau Claris, President of the Government, established contacts with France and proposed the integration of Catalonia into the French crown to free itself from Castilian rule. The war ended in 1652 in Barcelona when the city surrendered to the troops of King Philip IV. The war between France and the monarchy lasted until 1659 when the Peace of the Pyrenees was signed, in which Spain gave Rosello and part of Cerdanya to France.
18th-Century Europe: The Old Regime
Defining the Old Regime
European societies of the Modern Age had survived the medieval period but continued to maintain a feudal way of life. This included an agricultural economy of noble type, the absolutist monarchy, and an estate-based society.
Manorial Agriculture
From the economic point of view, agriculture was the most important activity, based on a system of crop rotation with triennial fallow. This often led to periods of food scarcity and rising prices. The land was in the hands of the nobility and clergy, who owned large estates passed down from generation to generation.
The Absolute Monarchy
From the political point of view, the king had absolute power. Rulers were therefore reduced to the status of subjects who did not enjoy any rights. Parliament was an institution born during the Middle Ages.
Economic Expansion in the 18th Century
The 18th century was a period of relative international peace. After the Thirty Years’ War, the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht (1713) led to a period of international balance. In this situation, the population increased considerably, and Europe rose from 100 to 200 million inhabitants. This population growth was also caused by the absence of major epidemics, the introduction of new crops, and a general improvement in the economic situation. Population growth caused high prices, which increased the earnings of owners and stimulated increased production. Monarchies encouraged reforms in agriculture, financed the installation of manufactures, and protected trading companies. As a result, trade increased dramatically.
Economic Expansion in the 18th Century
The 18th century was a period of relative international peace. After the Thirty Years’ War, the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht (1713) led to a period of international balance. In this situation, the population increased considerably, and Europe went from 100 to 200 million inhabitants. This population growth was also caused by the absence of major epidemics, the introduction of new crops, and a general improvement in the economic situation. Population growth caused high prices, which increased the earnings of owners and stimulated increased production. Monarchies promoted reforms in agriculture, financed the installation of manufactures, and protected trading companies. As a result, trade increased dramatically.