Cuestionando los relatos tradicionales: desigualdad, cambio liberal y crecimiento agrario en el Sur peninsular (1752-1901)

In this article we analyse the effects of the Liberal Revolution in rural areas of Southern Spain. Se­veral hypotheses are posited on the interaction among equity in the distribution of agricultural income, production and environmental effects du­ring the 19th century. We focus on the case of Montefrío, located in the province of Granada. First, the evolution of land use is analysed and agricultural production is estimated between the mid-18th and early 20th century. The varying rates of population growth in this period are shown as well as their interaction with land use. Then the effects of the liberal land reform are presented, taking into account the distribution of land ownership, livestock and agricultural work. Finally we assess social and environmental consequences using a series of indicators. As a result, it is clear that there was a deterioration in living conditions in the late 19th century despite the improved distribution of land ownership.