The Evolution of Industrial Class Society in Liberalism

Liberal Society and the Restoration

As liberal law was established and the first manufacturing facilities emerged, a modern industrial society of classes began to form. With the abolition of traditional privileges, social divisions were redefined based solely on wealth.

The Upper Classes and Economic Dominance

The primary beneficiaries of the liberal regime were the aristocracy. Although the old nobility of the Ancien Régime ceased to exist as a legally privileged class during the first half of the 19th century, they maintained their economic dominance through vast real estate holdings that generated significant national income.

Land Ownership and Agricultural Practices

• Large Estates: The nobility retained ownership of extensive farms dedicated to cereal and olive production.
• Protectionism: These farms relied on high tariffs and protectionist policies to secure the domestic market.
• Management: Owners typically resided in cities, relying on administrators to manage their lands.
• Land Use: Much of the land remained uncultivated, serving as hunting grounds or cattle pastures.

Traditional Behavior and Political Influence

The nobility largely avoided the business world, preferring to live off rental income and luxury consumption rather than investing in emerging sectors like railways, mining, or industry. Despite losing formal political dominance, their influence remained significant within the apparatus of power, including the Senate, the military, and the Court.

The Rise of the New Nobility and Bourgeoisie

The old nobility eventually integrated with a new nobility, comprised of the nouveau riche and senior management. The Liberal State granted titles in exchange for political and financial services.

The Agrarian Bourgeoisie

This group expanded by purchasing land disentailed from the Church and local councils. This class included:

• Winemakers in the south, often of foreign origin.
• Owners of colonial enterprises.

Through capitalist development, these groups diversified their income across banking, real estate speculation, mining, and industrial sectors, effectively merging with the broader business-oriented middle class.