Spain’s Population Dynamics: From Old Regime to Modern Era
The Old Demographic Regime
Until the late eighteenth century, both in Europe and in Spain, population dynamics were characterized by slow vegetative growth. Although there was a high number of births, this was offset by a high rate of mortality brought about by numerous and frequent wars, epidemics of diseases such as plague or smallpox, starvation, and, in general, the low standard of living of the population.
During this period, population growth was determined by agricultural production, so that
Read MoreThe Middle Ages in Spain: Societal Shifts 14th-15th Centuries
Demographic, Economic, and Political Crisis
Throughout the fourteenth century, Spain experienced increased mortality. The five million inhabitants recorded in the peninsula at the end of the 13th century were drastically reduced due to severe famine. This famine was caused by crop failure, possibly a result of climate change, and numerous epidemics that ravaged Spain, brought by Genoese ships carrying infected rats and fleas. The area most affected by the Black Death was Catalonia, mostly Barcelona.
Read MoreUnderstanding Human Population Dynamics and Urban Structures
Demography: Understanding Human Population
Demography is the quantitative and statistical study of the human population.
Key Demographic Concepts and Documents
- Population Census: An official document published by the National Spanish Statistical Institute (INE) that sets out the country’s demographic data.
- Municipal Registry: A document prepared by municipalities which includes data on sex, age, marital status, economic activities of their inhabitants, and level of education.
- Civil Registry: A registry
Understanding Population Dynamics: Key Demographic Variables
Demographic Dynamics: Key Variables
Demographic dynamics study the changes that occur over time in the size, structure, and geographical distribution of populations. These changes are primarily driven by fertility, mortality, and migration.
Population Growth
Population growth can be categorized as:
- Natural or vegetative growth: The balance between births and deaths between two different dates.
- Total or net growth: Natural growth plus net migration.
Mortality
Mortality is the set of deaths in a population
Read MoreSpain’s 19th Century: Agriculture, Population, and Industrialization
Agricultural Changes in 19th Century Spain
Liberal Land Reform
Abolition of the *Señorial* Regime
- Disentailment
- Confiscation of land
- Agricultural trade liberalization
Consolidation of Private Land Ownership
Land was placed in the hands of asset owners, favoring production improvement in the property systems.
Stimulation of Agricultural Marketing
This stimulated improvements in agricultural marketing and production. However, Spain as a whole did not achieve the creation of a middle class of small landowners,
Read MoreThe Enlightenment in 18th-Century Spain: Society and Economy
The Enlightenment in Spain
The Enlightenment, born in 18th-century France, had many repercussions on 19th-century liberalism. The enlightened entrusted reason and the instruction of the population as a means to achieve material and spiritual progress. They were concerned with improving economic conditions and the education of the population. They attacked the absolute monarchy (Montesquieu’s separation of powers) and the estates of society (against privileges), and they defended the freedom of economic
Read More