A fiscal revolution in mediaeval Catalonia

Between the end of the 13th century and the mid-14th century, the great monarchies of the mediaeval Western world (Castile, France and England) succeeded in financing a series of very expensive and almost endless wars thanks to a profound transformation of the fiscal systems that had existed until then. These changes were so major that some historians describe it as a real fiscal revolution. In this lecture, the speaker will examine the case of the Crown of Aragon in general, and Catalonia in particular, during the course of those decisive years from approximately 1283 to 1365.
After examining the birth of the new taxation system in the Crown and showing its similarities (and its differences) to what happened elsewhere in Europe at the same time, the speaker will explain the process of consolidation (in the mid-14th century) of two fiscal systems — the municipal system and the one pertaining to the Cortes (government) — which would be continued for the next 350 years. Special attention will be given to the role played by long-term public debt in that consolidation, as well as the birth of the Diputació del General (General Regional Council) of Catalonia, which has now become a permanent institution.

Cycle: 75th anniversary of CSIC - “Science today for a better tomorrow”

Organized by: Residence for Researchers CSIC-Generalitat of Catalonia