Selected Problems in the Development of Small Towns in Pre-autonomous Galicia (1772–1866)

Abstract

This study was designed as an introduction to the main determinants of the development of smaller towns in the western part of Galicia in the years 1772-1866. It was assumed that these places had fewer than 5000 residents, though their urban status was not in doubt. During this period, the authorities were only interested in towns that belonged to the state and the largest private towns, where the authorities attended to the professionalisation of municipalities. However, given the prevailing low incomes, the attempt at professionalisation did not contribute to the municipalities' development. The attendant changes did not affect a large group of smaller private towns. It was only the later reorganisation of the local administration, in the 1850s, that yielded the opportunity to promote many small towns. A common weakness the towns shared was the poor organisation of education, although the mere presence of educational institutions distinguished them from villages. However, in view of the significant population growth in this period, we may presume that this growth was due to growth factors other than the above.