 Politicians sponsored many small newspapers, which provided an outlet for numerous writers to debate economic questions and promote their particular reforms.Known as the "Generation of the 70s" the writers focused on political economy, and how the traditional economy could be stimulated to progress and growth.Important writers included Antero de Quental, who wrote abstract philosophical essays; Joaquim P. Oliveira Martins (1845–94), who focused on financial topics; José Maria Eça de Queiroz (1845-1900), who employed realism and irony in his fiction to make points in political economy; and Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro with his biting caricatures of pompous politicians.