Entrepreneurship and Spanish Bourgeoisie at the Start of the Liberal Revolution: Study of Antequera (Málaga), 1835–1836

This chapter analyses the emerging role of the local bourgeoisie of Antequera (Málaga) during the early stages of the liberal revolution in Spain, focusing on the years 1835–1836. It explores how certain sectors of this class began to develop entrepreneurial activities in a context of significant political and economic change, following the death of Fernando VII and the start of the confiscation process (1836–1837). I study the connections between this bourgeoisie and the new forms of property, investment, and business management. I also examine how the conflict between the Ancien Régime and the new liberal order affected local social and economic dynamics, having an impact on political decisions, and contributing to the emergence of power networks among businesspeople, politicians, and landowners. In the introduction, I describe the start of Isabel II’s liberal monarchy in Antequera. After that, I identify the main socioeconomic actors who led the transition. Thirdly, I underline the political repercussions of the aforementioned changes. I conclude with a summary of the major achievements of the period studied. Taken together, this chapter offers a microhistory approach to the Spanish liberal revolution, which allows us to understand the processes of economic modernisation from a regional/local perspective.