Land ownership regime and oil exploitation. The case of the Amatlán municipality, Veracruz, Mexico 1910-1921

Abstract

This article examines the origins of the small property in the municipality of Amatlán and its evolution in the context of the oil boom that took place in Mexico during the years 1910 to 1921. We argue that the fragmentation of the condueñazgo of Amatlán carried out at the end of the 19th century did not mean the triumph of the “perfect” private property that the liberal elite promoted, but this did not stop the land market or oil exploitation in subsequent years. On the other hand, the small property made possible the incursion of national and foreign tenants in the municipality, the intense speculative activity and the accelerated exploitation of the oilfields. In addition, the irregularity of the titles played an important role in the conflicts that arose during and after the period of oil effervescence, once the Mexican Revolution gave a turn to the property rights policy in the country.