Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Geography

Structural Problems of Spanish Fisheries

• The working population in fishing numbered 55,700 people in 2002 and is defined by its decline and aging.

• The decline is attributed to the fishing crisis due to depletion of fish stocks, the mechanization of work in large vessels, and the reduction of fishing licenses. The northwest region has more cash.

• Aging affects the majority of the population working in the artisanal fleet.

Spanish Fishing Fleet Problems

• Nowadays, its size is excessive. Until 1977, it grew significantly, favored by the large increase in demand for fish which resulted from improved purchasing power, the low price of fuel, free access to international fishing grounds, and the policy developed at the OECD in 1960, which mainly affected

Real Population Growth in Spain

The actual growth of the population can be calculated using the formula: Real Growth = Natural Growth (Births - Deaths) + Net Migration (Immigrants - Emigrants). Since the 19th century, Spain's population has increased threefold, but this growth has not been steady. It can be divided into distinct periods:

• Mid-19th to Early 20th Centuries

  The increase was low due to low natural growth, characteristic of the old demographic regime (high birth and mortality rates), and significant overseas emigration.

• 1900-1975 Period

  This period saw high growth, driven by the high natural growth typical of the demographic transition. The increase would have been even greater if not partially constrained by continued mortality from

The Survival of the Roman Cultural Legacy in Hispanic Culture

For more than six centuries (from the 5th century BC to the 5th century AD), the Iberian Peninsula belonged to the Roman Empire. Hispania was one of the most Romanized provinces and, therefore, has an abundant cultural heritage.

The principal legacy is Latin, the basis of most current languages (Castilian, Catalan, and Galician). Hispania also gave the Empire philosophers like Seneca and writers such as Quintilian and Martial.

In second and third place, we find Roman law (the concept of the state) and Christianity. Although Christianity spread in later dates, it achieved the rank of official religion under Emperor Constantine (313 AD). Indeed, the Church retained Roman law, administrative... Continue reading "Roman Legacy in Hispania and the Discovery of America" »

Cuatro Ciénegas

The 18th century is known as the Age of Enlightenment, a triumph of light against the darkness of the Middle Ages. This century is a great period in which there will be great contributions to freedom and the first liberal revolutions.

Changes in Agriculture

• Norfolk System: A system of crop rotation that increased land productivity compared to the fallow system.
• Fallow: Agricultural technique of leaving the land to rest for a while with the aim of improving its conditions for the next crop.
• Wetlands were drained in order to increase arable land.
• The Romans abandoned the traditional wooden plow and replaced it with the iron one. Also, they used oxen, horses, and donkeys.
• The fallow system was replaced by the Norfolk system.
• Communal land transitioned

Desert Encroachment and Desertification

Human activities significantly accelerate the appearance of desert conditions.

Main Factors Contributing to Desertification:

• Overgrazing: Excessive grazing by livestock removes vegetation cover, leading to soil erosion.
• Chemical Degradation: Pollution from industrial and agricultural chemicals degrades soil quality.
• Agricultural Activities: Unsustainable farming practices, such as monoculture and excessive tillage, deplete soil nutrients.
• Logging and Forest Fires: Deforestation removes trees that anchor soil and regulate water cycles.
• Soil Compaction: Heavy machinery and livestock traffic compact the soil, reducing its ability to absorb water.
• Overexploitation of Water: Excessive extraction of groundwater lowers

Mendizábal's Confiscation in Spain

Background: The Madoz Seizure

The Madoz seizure involved the sale of various properties, particularly municipal lands, to members of the Church. In Asturias, long-term leased lands called foros existed, often owned by the Church, with tenants paying rent across generations. A similar system was present in Galicia. The Madoz seizure declared both personal and common lands for sale, including those leased by municipalities to fund services. This practice stemmed from lands granted to municipalities by kings during the Reconquista. Major military orders were located in Andalusia, Extremadura, Valencia, and Murcia. Payment for seized lands involved a 10% upfront payment and the remainder over fourteen years,... Continue reading "Mendizábal's Confiscation: Church and State in 19th-Century Spain" »

Liberal Land Reform in Spain

The Liberal Agrarian Reform was a set of reforms aimed at dissolving the former regime in the country, as well as introducing models of capitalist property and production. During this process, the manorial system was abolished, property was disentailed (desamortización), and lands belonging mostly to the Church and councils were affected. These reforms consolidated private ownership of land, which was transformed into a commodity that could be bought and sold.

Agricultural Problems in Spain

The Liberal Land Reform did not grant property ownership to farmers, which is why most were left as landless laborers and migrated to cities. The continuance of cheap labor did not stimulate increased mechanization and productivity.... Continue reading "Spanish Economic Transformation 19th Century" »

The Tertiary Sector in Spain: Evolution and Impact

The tertiary sector encompasses activities designed to provide services to society. It is, therefore, a heterogeneous sector that includes activities not classified as primary or secondary. This "service economy" significantly contributes to the Spanish economy, as evidenced by its share of GDP and the workforce employed in this sector (64.5% in 2004).

Factors Driving the Growth of the Tertiary Sector

• Increased Standard of Living: A higher standard of living allows for greater consumption of services and demands that are becoming more numerous and specialized.
• Industrial Transformation: Industry has promoted the process of tertiarization. The industrial development of the 1960s boosted the growth