Jovellanos’ Agrarian Reform: Spain’s Missed Economic Opportunity
Report on the Agrarian Law File: Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos
Context and Author
This report on the Agrarian Law File of Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos examines Spain’s economic challenges in the late 18th century. Jovellanos, a prominent political writer and ilustrado, held various judicial positions and actively participated in economic societies. His career included a brief tenure as Secretary of Grace and Justice, followed by exile. He later served on the Central Board during the French occupation.
Jovellanos’ Proposals
Jovellanos identified agriculture as Spain’s most backward sector, citing outdated tools and uncultivated lands, particularly those held by monasteries. He proposed:
- Abolishing primogeniture
- Recovering unproductive lands from the Church
- Enclosing common lands
Economic Reforms under Carlos III
Influenced by Enlightenment thinkers, Carlos III’s government aimed to improve agricultural production and living conditions. Key collaborators included Pedro Rodriguez Campomanes, Count of Floridablanca, and Count of Aranda. Economic measures included:
- Limiting the privileges of the Mesta (sheepherders’ guild)
- Supporting colonization of new lands (Olavide)
- Promoting agrarian reform
- Creating markets for goods and capital
- Improving transport infrastructure
- Liberalizing colonial trade
- Supporting national industry
The Economic Societies of Friends of the Country, influenced by physiocratic ideas, emphasized agriculture as the primary source of wealth. They criticized feudal systems, Church property, primogeniture, and communal ownership.
Jovellanos’ Report and Its Impact
Jovellanos’ report offered solutions to Spain’s agricultural problems but was never implemented due to opposition from the nobility and the Church. Reforms like abolishing grain price controls led to riots in 1766.
Trade and Industry
While livestock and fishing thrived, manufacturing remained underdeveloped. Royal Factories struggled to compete with foreign products. Domestic trade was limited, though internal customs were partially suppressed. Foreign trade focused on Europe and America, with colonial trade liberalization occurring during the French Revolutionary Wars.
Extremadura’s Economic Situation
In Extremadura, enlightened despotism favored agriculture over livestock. Population growth led to land redistribution and reclamation. Reports by figures like Vincent Paino highlighted the need to limit migrant privileges to improve peasant conditions. Royal Provisions aimed to increase cultivation, particularly in Extremadura, by utilizing vacant lands.
Conclusion
Jovellanos’ Report on the Agrarian Law proposed significant economic and agricultural improvements. However, it was not implemented due to his arrest by the Inquisition and opposition from privileged groups. The resulting agrarian crisis and food shortages led to social unrest, including the Esquilache Riots.