Las cooperativas en el marco de las hermandades sindicales (Albacete, 1939-1959)

This article centres on the problems of cooperatives and colonization groups in Albacete from their origins in the 1940s until their consolidation in the following decade. Whereas cooperativism was initially based on the acquisition of inputs, the activities of the movement centred on the production and commercialization of wine and oil and the adoption of a range of services in the 1950s . A variety of problems, however, led to mistrust among the social base of the movements. The general statements and specific cases reported in the documents consulted reveal problems in the management of certain entities, in the autonomy and general coordination of the movement, and in the provision of financial aid. The sources also suggest opposition to the movement from rival groups, the predominance of individual interests, and the conversion of some of these entities, with the trade union movement, into elements at the service of traditional caciques, or local political bosses.