La Asociación de Labradores de Zaragoza, 1900-1939

After summarizing the research and perspectives on agrarian organizations, this article focuses on the study of the Asociación de Labradores de Zaragoza (ALZ) between 1900 and 1930. The main issue is the setting up of a powerful and organized agrarian group and the study of the sphere of action in rural society in Aragón. The characteristic cross-classism of this organization could not hide the fact that all members did not enjoy the same power inside the association. The members at the bottom looked up the hierarchy for commercial relationships and credit as well as for political mediation. By using these commercial and political systems, the members generated asymmetrical power relationships that consolidated the strength of the organized agrarian bourgeoisie. The leaders, on the other hand, were from among the landowners and professionals and ran a "economic agrarian organization" which was widely connected among economical, administrative and political bodies in Aragon. At the beginning of 1930, the ALZ was more than an ordinary agrarian organization. The association had become a centre to manage resources and power linked to conservatism and with members from all over Aragón.