SMUGGLING AND SURVEILLANCE OF THE CASTELLÓN COAST IN THE FIRST CARLIST WAR

Abstract

This article analyses the prevalence of maritime smuggling in the province of Castellón between 1836 and 1840. Despite the vigilance systems established by the Government, the extensive coastline allowed the Carlist rebels to stock up on numerous products, among which tobacco is particularly noticeable. The chronic misery caused by the civil war turned this product into a means of survival for many people: sailors, policemen, mule drivers and housewives and tobacco was even sold to troops sent to fight the Carlists. The article presents a quantitative analysis of the impact on tax revenues during the final phase of the civil war.