Agrarian Change & Industrial Revolution in 19th Century Spain
1. Agrarian Change in 19th Century Spain
The Disentailment Process and Agrarian Changes
Unlike other European nations, 19th-century Spain experienced insufficient agrarian change to promote industrial development. Liberal land reforms aimed to establish a legal framework for economic development under liberal capitalism. Key measures included abolishing feudal lordships, freeing agricultural property from mayorazgos (entailment), and confiscating and selling church and municipal lands.
While the abolition
Read MoreEuropean Colonialism: Causes, Administration, and Impact
Causes of Imperialism
Demographic Causes
The increase in population generated significant European population pressure. A growing number of people needed to be fed and employed, while resources dwindled. This led to emigration, supported by governments that encouraged white European populations to migrate to the colonies. This favored expansion and the conquest of territories as settlement areas, particularly in the Americas.
Economic Causes
Related to the second stage of the Industrial Revolution,
Read MoreThe Industrial Revolution: A Socioeconomic Transformation
The Industrial Revolution
1. Introduction
The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant economic and technological change that began in Britain in the 18th century. It transformed society and the economy in unprecedented ways.
1.1. Population Revolution
Europe experienced a period of population growth (demographic revolution) from 140 million to 266 million. This was due to increased food production and advancements in hygiene and medicine. Life expectancy increased from 38 to 50 years.
1.2.
Read MoreGeography and Socioeconomic Dynamics of Spain
Unit 9: Spain
1. Introduction
Spain (Latin term Hispania), called Iberia by the Greeks, occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula, sharing it with Portugal, the Principality of Andorra, and Gibraltar.
Location: Northern Hemisphere, temperate zone.
Extension: 505,956 km2
Territorial Units:
- Iberian Peninsula (493,484 km2)
- Balearic Islands (Mediterranean, 5 islands, 300 km from Valencia)
- Canary Islands (Atlantic, volcanic origin, 1,400 km south of the peninsula and 100 km from the Saharan coast, 7 main islands)
Liberal Capitalism and the Industrial Revolutions: A Socioeconomic Analysis
Liberal Capitalism: Theoretical Foundations
Classical School of Thought
Economic liberalism forms the bedrock of liberal capitalism. Its principal theorist, Adam Smith, along with David Ricardo and John Stuart Mill, constituted the core of the classical school. Adam Smith (1732-1790), in his seminal work, The Wealth of Nations, championed individual prosperity as a catalyst for national enrichment, prioritizing private interest. He advocated for minimal state intervention in the economy, believing
Read MoreFrom Agrarian Revolution to Modern Industry
The Agrarian Revolution (200 years)
What is it?
- Machinery
- Fertilizers
- Plant rotation (fallow land) does not deplete the soil & increases productivity, leading to higher production and lower mortality. Consequently, there’s more work and rural exodus.
| Population Engaged in Agriculture | Techniques Used | Productivity |
|---|---|---|
| Developed Countries | Less than 5% of the active population | High, thanks to technical progress |
| Underdeveloped Countries | 80% of workers | Low, insufficient to meet nutritional needs |
Fishing
| Location | Fishing |
|---|