The desamortización laws in Spain took land away from the Church and municipalities and sold it at auction, leading to the formation of large estates called latifundios. While some agricultural improvements occurred, the laws did not significantly stimulate the economy as the wealthy invested in land instead of other enterprises. The industrial revolution also had a limited impact in Spain due to a small middle class, lack of initiative, and political instability. The mining industry expanded, but commerce developed slowly due to limited domestic demand and loss of colonial export markets.