Historical Shifts: Spain's 19th Century Development

Liberal Land Reform in 19th Century Spain

The Liberal Land Reform was a process aimed at dissolving traditional agricultural production relations (the Old Scheme). This reform primarily took place between 1835 and 1837, under the inspiration of Mendizábal, when key rules were adopted for the abolition of the manorial system. These rules can be grouped into three main areas:

• Dissolution of the manorial system
• Decoupling of land
• Seizure of church and common lands (desamortización)

Spain's 19th Century Demographic Revolution

The Demographic Revolution refers to a sudden and significant increase in births. In Spain, during the nineteenth century, the population experienced an increase of over 76%. The causes included the disappearance of certain epidemics, improvements in diet, and the expansion of crops such as corn and potatoes. However, Spanish population growth was among the lowest on the continent due to the persistence of a high birth rate alongside high mortality, including significant infant mortality. The sustained high mortality was attributed to poor health conditions and the ongoing impact of epidemics. Life expectancy was much lower than in other European countries like France or Great Britain. These factors explain the limited growth of the Spanish population during this period.

Urban Expansion and Suburban Development

The increased size of some cities necessitated the demolition of medieval city walls and the planning of urban expansion through reform plans, often referred to as suburban development or "Eixample." This urban transformation led to the opening of new avenues and thoroughfares, the construction of railways and railway stations, the implementation of public gas lighting, and the development of sewer systems. The concentration of population also fostered a new style of construction, featuring taller buildings and dwellings distributed into different categories.

Rural Exodus: Migration from Country to City

The Rural Exodus concerns the emigration of farmers, typically young people (adolescents and adults), from rural areas to cities. This process is ancient but significantly accelerated with the Industrial Revolution, and especially after the second half of the twentieth century in Spain. It is considered a special kind of migration because it involves not only a change of residence but also a change of profession. This is due to the significant geographical differences in opportunities, the number, and characteristics of employment types available between rural areas and cities.

Transoceanic Migration from Spain

The tension between population growth and limited employment opportunities in the late nineteenth century compelled many Spaniards to emigrate overseas. Several factors played an important role in the decision to emigrate to other continents to improve living conditions: the entry of a greater number of people into the labor market, the low educational qualifications of the population, and the scarcity of agricultural transformation. The main regions of emigration were Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Canary Islands, and Catalonia, which provided a significant migratory contingent. The most popular destination was Latin America, particularly Argentina, Mexico, Cuba, and Brazil.

The Spanish Mining Act of 1868

The Mining Act of 1868 created the necessary conditions to promote a Spanish mining boom, primarily for the benefit of increasing tax revenue. The law allowed the transfer of perpetual property rights of the mines, which previously belonged to the Crown, into the hands of private investors, making their purchase and operation quick and easy. The liberalization of the sector aimed to attract substantial foreign investment, thereby increasing tax revenue. Spain subsequently became a major supplier of industrial minerals to European economies, leading to a consequent improvement in the balance of payments. This process has also been referred to as the "seizure of the subsoil" due to the transfer of state-owned resources to private hands.

Understanding Public Debt

Public Debt refers to the total debt incurred by a particular country or public entity. It constitutes a form of financial resource obtained by the state or any public authority, usually materialized through the emission of securities. It also serves as an instrument used by states to address temporary shortages of funds.

Principles of a Market Economy

A Market Economy is an economic system where economic activities are primarily driven by supply and demand, with minimal government regulation. Prices and production are largely determined by the interaction of buyers and sellers in the marketplace.