Agricultural Economy and Society in the Old Regime
1. Land Ownership
- Ownership of the Land: In the Old Regime, agriculture was the most important source of wealth. A small part of the land was private property, freely available to use and sell. The other part belonged to the Church, a municipality, or the Crown.
- Plenary Power: Landowners had full power over their land. They economically exploited it and could not sell it. These lands were called *Señorio Territorial* and were divided into:
- Demesne: Land and production, where they had their residence.
Key Concepts in Agriculture and Farming Practices in Spain
Fallow
Fallow is a traditional practice of dryland farming. It involves letting the land rest for a variable time to recover its natural fertility. Today, this method is often replaced by a modified fallow, which reduces the rest period by planting a spring crop that is collected before the summer.
Farmland
Farmland is the techno-economic unit where agricultural products are obtained under the responsibility of an entrepreneur. It groups all the plots worked by the same farmer, regardless of tenure.
Read MoreSpanish Tourism: Evolution, Factors, and Challenges
Spanish Tourism: Definition and Types
Definition of tourism.
- Types: exterior (not country) / interior
Evolution of Tourism
In principle, trips were made by the aristocracy (until 1945). After the 2nd World War, mass tourism began.
Factors in the Development of Tourism in Spain
Booming tourism in the 60s:
- Economic growth after the Second World War
- Progress of transport in Europe
- Geographic proximity to European customers
- Natural and cultural attractiveness of Spain
- Low cost
- Ease of state and emergence of big
Catholic Monarchs: Dynastic Union and State Organization
The Catholic Monarchs and Dynastic Union
In 1469, the marriage of Isabel of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon took place. Both belonged to the ruling families in Castile and Aragon, different branches of the Trastámara dynasty.
After Henry IV’s death, a civil war erupted in Castile. Isabel, supported by Aragon, clashed with Juana la Beltraneja, supported by Portugal. The conflict culminated in the Battle of Toro in 1476 and the Peace of Alcaçovas with Portugal in 1479. Isabel I became Queen of Castile.
Read MoreEconomic Sectors, Trade, Resources, and Societal Evolution
Tertiary Sector Activities
The tertiary sector includes activities that do not produce material goods but provide services to consumers and other economic sectors.
Types of Service Providers
- Private Services: Provided by private companies.
- Public or Non-Market Services: Provided by the state, funded through taxes.
Trade
Trade is the exchange of goods and services between producers.
Components of Trade
- Transaction: The exchange itself.
- Market: The place or situation where transactions occur.
Types of Markets
- Physical
Regional Farming in Spain: A Detailed Look
Spanish Agricultural Landscapes: Regional Analysis
North-West Spain
Geographical Area: North-West.
Physical Environment: Mountainous terrain, some flat. Oceanic climate (+800 mm).
Agrarian Structure
- Population: Previously large, now weak and old due to emigration.
- Settlement (Poblamiento): Scattered villages, parishes, and hamlets.
- Property: Smallholder farms (-10 ha), difficulty of mechanization, closed plots, remote from each other, uneconomic.
Land Use
- Agriculture: Before, Polyculture (self-sufficiency)