Spanish Economy 1898-1936: Growth, Crisis, and Agrarian Reform
Economy and Society (1898-1936)
1. The Evolution of the Economy and Economic Policy
The Spanish economy in the first third of the 20th century experienced moderate growth interrupted by the Civil War. State intervention to protect domestic production was a dominant trend in Europe during this period, influenced by the economic emergence of the United States.
1.1 From Colonial Loss to World War I
Following the loss of Cuba and the Philippines in 1898, Spain’s economy recovered. The first decade of the
Read MoreReconquista: The Christian Conquest of Spain
Advance to the Douro Valley
In the early 10th century, during the reign of Alfonso III the Great, the Kingdom of León expanded into the Douro Valley. This period marked the peak of the Asturian kingdom’s territorial growth. Alfonso III’s military victories against a weakened Al-Andalus foreshadowed the kingdom’s southern expansion. By the end of the 9th century, the Douro Valley regions, including Coimbra, Zamora, and Toro, were reclaimed by the Christians. Upon Alfonso III’s death, his sons divided
Read MoreIndustrial Revolution & Liberalism (1780-1870)
The Industrial Revolution (1780-1870)
Transformation of Agriculture and Population Growth
The Agricultural Revolution
The enclosure of communal lands (open fields) displaced peasants, creating an industrial proletariat. This led to increased agricultural profits through mechanization and technological innovation. The cultivation of fodder crops supported industrial development by providing food, raw materials, and increased peasant purchasing power.
Population Growth
Increased food supply eliminated
Read MoreCharacteristics of the Estates Society and the Enlightenment
1. The Estates Society (Ancien Régime)
This period in European history is marked by a rigid social structure divided into three estates:
1.1 Characteristics of an Estate
- Membership determined by birth or royal grant.
- Endogamy (marriage within the estate) was common.
- Strong emphasis on maintaining social hierarchy.
1.2 The Privileged Estates
1.2.1 The Nobility
Divided into high and low nobility, this estate enjoyed benefits like tax exemptions and special legal status. The high nobility lived lavishly,
Read MoreAgrarian Reform & Industrialization in 19th Century Catalonia & Spain
The Effects of Agrarian Reform in Spain
The abolition of señorios and jurisdictional rights did not mean the loss of all rights for former landlords. Many farmers opposed these measures, seeking ownership of the land they cultivated. However, the courts often favored the nobility, and while some farmers were freed from lordly incomes, their overall situation saw little improvement.
The separation of land and disentailments resulted in thousands of buildings and land parcels changing ownership. The
Read MoreThe Iberian Kingdoms in the Late Middle Ages
The Kingdom of Castile
The Kingdom of Castile experienced a rise in the power of kings starting with Alfonso X, who reintroduced Roman law and promoted the theory of the divine origin of royal power. To achieve effective control over the entire kingdom, instituciones policies were created. These included:
- The Royal Council: An advisory body consisting of nobles, clergy, and lawyers.
- The Chancilleria: A supreme court based in Valladolid.
- The Royal Treasury: Based on indirect taxes (sales tax).
To increase
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