What historical events led to the secularization of monasteries in Mallorca?

The secularization of monasteries in Mallorca was influenced by a series of historical events primarily occurring in the 19th century. One of the key events was the Spanish Liberal Revolution, which sought to reduce the power of the Catholic Church and promote secular governance. In 1835, the Spanish government implemented the Mendizábal Reform, which aimed to confiscate church properties and reduce the economic influence of monastic institutions. This was part of a broader trend throughout Spain where national lands were nationalized and religious assets were redistributed.

In Mallorca, many monasteries, such as the famous Monastery of Lluc, faced closure or repurposing, which led to the dispersal of monastic communities. The decline in monastic power was further exacerbated by the rise of nationalism and local political movements that promoted secularization and modernization. As a result, assets from the monasteries were often sold or allocated for public use, diminishing their role in local economies and communities. By the end of the 19th century, the secularization process in Mallorca was largely complete, fundamentally altering the landscape of religious and social life on the island.