Disentailment in 18th-19th Century Spain
Background
Disentailment, the confiscation of Church and noble lands, was implemented in 18th-century England and France. In England, the seizure of Catholic Church property by Anglicans (16th century) and the Enclosure Acts (17th century) transferred communal land to private ownership. In France, the National Assembly decreed the sale of Church and emigrant noble lands during the Revolution. Spain implemented similar measures in the 18th century, focusing on leasing public and municipal lands and selling Jesuit properties (1767).
This process developed in several stages:
- Godoy and Charles IV (1798) disentailed hospitals, orphanages, and houses of mercy to finance war debts.
- The Cortes of Cádiz (1811-1813) attempted to disentailed municipal commons (January 1813) and later, the assets of suppressed religious communities, Military Orders, and the Inquisition (September 1813).
- During the Liberal Triennium (1820-1823), the Cortes of Cádiz’s measures were reinstated, and monastic orders were suppressed (October 1820), transferring their property to the state.
Impact of Disentailment
Disentailment significantly impacted Spanish agriculture. An estimated 50% of arable land, representing 25-33% of Spain’s total real estate value, was sold. Beyond the land and revenue generated, disentailment affected law, finance, and other aspects of Spanish society. The primary goals were financing the Carlist Wars, reducing state debt, and funding public works like railroads.
Consequences of Disentailment
A. Agricultural Production:
- Increased agricultural output: New owners cultivated previously unused land, expanding agricultural land from 10 to 16 million units.
- Limited technological advancements: Spain continued to lag behind other European countries in agricultural technology and productivity.
- Crop specialization and improvement: New investments led to improvements and specialization in crops.
- Increased food security: The cultivation of potatoes and corn helped alleviate chronic hunger among the lower classes.
- Late 19th-century agricultural crisis: Falling agricultural prices due to competition from colonial products and the phylloxera plague impacted the wine sector.
B. Social Impact:
- Emergence of a rural proletariat: Over 2 million landless laborers faced harsh living conditions and seasonal work.
- Deterioration of small peasantry: The disposal of municipal properties worsened the living conditions of small farmers.
- Beneficiaries of disentailment: Wealthy farmers, the landed aristocracy, and the urban bourgeoisie benefited, with some emulating the old aristocracy.
C. Land Ownership Structure:
- Continued dominance of large estates: The concentration of land ownership persisted in central and southern Spain, contrasting with smallholdings in the north and northwest.
D. Loss of Cultural Heritage:
- Monasteries, paintings, and books were sold at low prices, often ending up in other countries.
- Artistic buildings were abandoned and fell into ruin.
E. Urban Transformation:
- The middle class benefited from purchasing urban properties, leading to changes in city centers.