Secularization and Agrarian Changes in 19th-Century Spain
Introduction
Secularization involved freeing property assets that, under the Old Regime, remained as ‘dead hands’. Initially, property was disassociated from the nobility. Then, Church and municipal property were disentailed. This process freed assets for the market, a significant departure from the Old Regime. Secularization was the most impactful practical step taken by Liberal governments, encompassing two key measures: seizure of assets held in mortmain and their subsequent sale via public auction.
Agrarian Changes
In 19th-century Spain, the primary source of wealth was land. During the first half of the century, liberal governments implemented reforms to dismantle old proprietary systems. Land was liberalized and privatized, and communal Church property was sold to stimulate economic growth. However, these reforms did not prevent the maintenance of a traditional agrarian structure, which hindered the development of an industrial economy.
The Disentailment of Mendizábal
The implementation of Mendizábal’s disentailment led to the rupture of diplomatic relations with Rome and deeply divided public opinion. It has since been known simply as *the confiscation*.
Upon his return from London, Mendizábal’s main concern was to ensure the continuity of Elizabeth II’s reign. To achieve this, it was necessary to win the Carlist War, obtain sufficient funds or credit, increase the state’s credibility for future credit requests from foreign institutions, and reduce public debt. Given the poor state of public finances, Mendizábal sought new funding sources, and these were found in Church property.
The Disentailment Decree, published in 1836, mandated the sale of all assets of the regular clergy (monks and nuns). Monasteries, convents, and other properties, including all books and works of art, became state property and were auctioned off. The following year, another bill authorized the sale of goods belonging to the secular clergy (cathedrals, churches, etc.).
The General Confiscation of Madoz
In 1855, the progressive Minister Madoz introduced the General Confiscation Act. It was termed ‘general’ because it put up for sale all collectively owned property, including the remaining ecclesiastical assets not yet sold, as well as those belonging to villagers. This confiscation continued until 1924. The procedure was similar to Mendizábal’s, but with two key differences: the funds were dedicated to the country’s industrialization (specifically, the railway), and although the state owned the money, it was managed by the municipalities. The state received the funds from the municipalities. In this process, the moneyed bourgeoisie was again the great beneficiary, although the participation of smallholders was much higher.
Results of the Disentailment
The process of secularization did not allocate land among the least disadvantaged, as there was no attempt at land reform. The primary goal was to raise funds for the state. However, it also led to an increase in the overall volume of agricultural production, as new landowners cultivated previously unworked land. Secularization resulted in an expansion of cultivated areas and more productive agriculture. Other consequences were social, including the emergence of a rural proletariat and a landed gentry. Respect for the existing ownership structure meant that no major changes were introduced in that regard.