Abstract

MAS GALVAN, Cayetano. Confronting Catastrophe: State Action and the Battle to Control Plagues of Locusts in the Dioceses of Murcia and Orihuela (1756-1758). Relac. Estud. hist. soc. [online]. 2012, vol.33, n.129, pp.51-86. ISSN 2448-7554.

This paper analyzes the impact of plagues of locusts on lands in the Dioceses of Murcia and Orihuela, a phenomenon that affected large areas of the Iberian Peninsula after 1754. Based on the extensive documental records conserved in local archives, it sets the geographical and chronological scenario of the area, before moving on to evaluate the damage to crops and harvests, and o highlight the significant fact that those catastrophic events led to the elaboration of a series of measures to be implemented by the state in order to confront locust invasions; though they proved to be of but dubious effectiveness. They did, however, undoubtedly contribute to the severe financial difficulties that municipalities in the region experienced.

Keywords : Spain; Murcia; Valencia; 18^th century; states; municipalities; locusts; plagues; disaster.

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