Madoz Confiscation: Impact on 19th Century Spain
The Confiscation of Madoz Pascual
The circumstances surrounding the confiscation under Madoz Pascual differed significantly from earlier instances. There was no civil war, and budgets were met. Like many liberals, Madoz went into exile during the reign of Fernando VII but returned from France thanks to the policy enacted by the regent Maria Cristina. His turbulent political career in the 19th century initially positioned him against the regency of Espartero. He briefly held the portfolio of Finance, resigning after a few months for personal reasons. The revolution of 1854 led to Madoz Pascual’s appointment as governor of Barcelona. In 1855, he spearheaded the desamortización law.
The Act of 1855
The Act of 1855, initiated by Pascual Madoz, marked the final stage of the confiscation process. It primarily affected property belonging to the clergy, exacerbating tensions between the Spanish State and the Holy See. Madoz’s initiative aimed to bring about a fundamental revolution in the way of life of the Spanish nation, striking a blow to the old regime and summarizing the political regeneration of the country. Consequently, all Church property, State property, municipalities, and other “dead hands” were targeted. The property belonging to the municipalities was particularly significant, whether owned by the people or producing benefits.
Purpose of the Act
The primary purpose of the Act was to secure financial resources for the state. However, it did not prioritize progressive access to land for the dispossessed. Instead, freed assets would become the property of those who could pay the most, with payments required in cash within fifteen years.
General Implications of the Confiscations
Hacendísticas (Financial Implications)
Mendizabal’s disentailment was largely designed to remedy the distressing state of the Treasury. However, it did not fully achieve its intended purpose, failing to redeem the debt or adequately fund the army needed to end the war. On the positive side, money flowed into state coffers, albeit gradually. These contributions facilitated the arrangement of the Debt by Mon-Santillán Bravo Murillo in 1844 and in 1851. The State of Isabel II, while managing substantial funds, used them to pay a growing number of officials. This provided livelihoods for many but also potentially diverted them from more productive activities that could have contributed to national wealth.
Economics
The seizure was considered one of the major economic operations of the 19th century. Today, its importance is often downplayed, as more money was invested in railways than in land sales. At the farm level, there was no revolution or a more equitable distribution of property. One potential advantage was the increase in cultivated area, although the lands brought under cultivation were not always of the highest quality. Spain transitioned from being an importer of grains to an exporter. A negative consequence was the investment haven on earth, which led to a shrinkage of capital in industry and commerce. Most of the benefits derived from the land were reinvested in the purchase of new land. Speculation was rampant, and some families sold portions of their estates and relocated to cities.