Industrial 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
Read MorePopulation Dynamics: Trends and Transitions in Rich and Poor Countries
Population Dynamics: Trends and Transitions
Evolution of the Population in Rich Countries
Phase of Long-Demographic Stability (Until Mid-17th Century)
Until the mid-17th century, the population increased very slowly. Families used to have an average of five children, but many died during their first year. Crops were unsafe, and famine, epidemics, and wars were raging. Life expectancy was around 40 years.
Phase of Demographic Revolution – Population Increase (Mid-17th Century)
The Industrial Revolution
Read MorePrehistory and History of the Iberian Peninsula
Prehistory and the Old Age in the Iberian Peninsula
Hominization Process: New Findings
Prehistory encompasses the period from the origin of humans until the advent of writing. A central theme in archaeology is the process of humanization, tracing the evolution leading to Homo sapiens. Prehistorians analyze fossils and tools to understand this process.
Hominization originated in Africa. Australopithecus, dating back 5-6 million years, evolved into Homo habilis around 2.5 million years ago. Homo habilis
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