The General Association of Cattlemen of Spain in the province of Burgos (1897-1915):

autonomy against caciquismo

Abstract

The General Association of Cattlemen of Spain, which inherited the Mesta, had as its purpose the defense of livestock ranching interests and the conservation of the valleys through which transhumance occurred. For this second task, a network of provincial, district, and municipal livestock and cattle overseers was created. Between 1900 and 1915, the appointment of the provincial overseer and of the overseers of several districts in Burgos was marked by the intermediation of politicians, senators, and other notable figures who added pressure so that the charge would go to the most fervent supporters of their strong-arm tactics under a system of caciquism, evidencing the game of client relations and related practices.