¿Caciques o políticos? Politización y poder local en la Mallorca rural (1850-1923)

The aim of this paper is to analyse the process of politicisation experienced by rural society in Mallorca during the consolidation of the liberal state in Spain, between 1850 and 1923. We begin with the hypothesis that the state, through its various administrative levels, was able to put an end to the dynamics of absolutism and foster a new politicisation of society, initiating a process of democratisation. This article examines a number of municipalities that are representative of the various socioeconomic realities of Mallorca. Logically, the documentary bases of this article derive from local sources, especially municipal records. The results of our comparative study confirm the initial hypothesis. Liberal legislation, the extension of suffrage, changes among the political elites and the new role of local government as delegate of the central government and representative of the community became relevant elements in the new political-institutional context. Moreover, the penetration of ideologies such as republicanism and socialism, as well as the transformation of the relations of production and the capitalist integration of rural areas, altered the expectations of the population and its relationship to politics and public administration. As local inhabitants became citizens, rather than becoming demobilised, they increasingly turned to local politicians and institutions to improve their living standards, eliminate injustices or resolve problems of all kinds.