Extremadura in the 18th Century: Economy, Society, and Population

Extremadura's 18th Century Economy

Agriculture and Livestock Dominance

The economy of Extremadura in the 18th century was primarily agricultural, with a significant predominance of the livestock sector. This long-standing situation, dating back to antiquity, often proved detrimental to farming. Several factors contributed to this:

• Despite abundant fertile fields, land ownership was concentrated in the hands of the landed nobility.
• The powerful privileges granted to the Honourable Council of the Mesta meant vast tracts of pasture land could not be cultivated.
• These factors also led to a decrease in cultivated land, worsening the plight of day laborers and land tenants.

During the 18th century, Extremadura remained an isolated territory, poorly documented and little known by the rest of Spain.

Other Economic Activities

The overwhelming importance of the primary sector meant other economic activities were largely relegated to a minor, almost testimonial, role. However, some localities, such as Zafra, Ceclavín, and Zarza la Mayor, experienced more intense commercial activity. Towards the end of the 18th century, a relative craft sector persisted in some areas, though it generally experienced decline throughout the century. Traces of old factories and manufacturing could still be found in places like Fuente del Maestre, Cabeza del Buey, Azuaga, Salvatierra de los Barros, Berlanga, and Torrejoncillo. As was common in rural Spain, Extremadura lacked a rigid separation between agricultural, livestock, craft, and trade activities. The simultaneity of occupations made it difficult to determine a primary activity from an accessory one.

18th Century Extremadura Demographics

The information provided by the Floridablanca Census revealed a significant shortage of human manpower in Extremadura, with a total population of 412,000 inhabitants. Birth rates ranged between 35 and 45 per thousand, particularly high in areas with abundant laborers where early marriages were common. However, a high mortality rate, especially among adults and children due to various causes, largely offset this high birth rate. The most densely populated areas generally corresponded to the most fertile regions.

Social Structure of 18th Century Extremadura

In 18th century Extremadura, approximately 75% of the population consisted of laborers. The remaining rural population, always a minority, comprised middle peasants who owned plots (often shaped by traditional customs) and tenants who leased land from large landowners. High-status nobles and the Church owned vast properties. Many of these lands remained uncultivated, while others were worked by tenants and sharecroppers in exchange for rent. Farmers frequently complained about livestock encroaching upon and ruining their crops, a situation largely attributed to the Mesta. Additionally, small-scale manufacturing, primarily textiles and pottery, supplied the local market, often through regional fairs such as those in Cáceres, Trujillo, and Zafra.