19th Century Spain & Catalonia: Society, Economy, and Transformation
19th Century Spain & Catalonia
Population Growth and Migration
Population Growth
During the 19th century, mortality declined in Spain, with Catalonia experiencing a higher growth rate. This increase resulted from declining mortality and a stable or slightly increasing birth rate. Improved agricultural production and diet led to fewer serious diseases, further contributing to population growth.
Migrant Movements
Around 1860, many villagers migrated to Madrid, Barcelona, and Vizcaya. In Catalonia, most migrated to other villages within the region, particularly Barcelona, Vallès Occidental, Baix Llobregat, and Bages. Later, many Spaniards emigrated to Cuba and Latin America due to the growing population.
Urban Growth
Urbanization increased significantly. Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Seville, and Malaga experienced substantial growth. In Catalonia, cities like Barcelona, Badalona, Sabadell, Terrassa, and Manresa saw population increases towards the end of the 19th century.
Transformations in Agriculture
Agrarian Reform
The 19th-century liberal agrarian reform aimed to dismantle the Old Regime and introduce capitalist property and production models. The manorial system was abolished, property ownership was restructured, and much of the Church’s land was transferred to private ownership.
Agricultural Challenges in Spain
The reform did not provide land access for many farmers, leading to a large, landless labor force and migration to cities. Low yields, widespread rural poverty, and agricultural backwardness persisted.
Latifundio
Large estates owned by absentee landlords who profited from low-wage laborers.
Smallholdings
Small farms where yields barely sustained families.
Agricultural Development in Catalonia
The Sentence of Guadalupe (1486) allowed Catalan farmers to retain a larger share of their production, leading to a less stratified economy. Catalan agriculture specialized in viticulture and also saw the development of other crops.
The Beginnings of Industrialization
The Catalan Textile Industry
Around 1830, mechanization began with the introduction of British spinning machines. By 1860, industries were established along rivers, utilizing hydropower instead of coal, and forming industrial colonies.
Obstacles to Industrialization
- Low purchasing power due to widespread rural poverty.
- Lack of investment and a weak industrial bourgeoisie.
- Transport problems due to inadequate road and rail networks and energy shortages.
Protectionism
Protectionist policies were implemented to encourage manufacturers to modernize, reduce costs, and become internationally competitive.
Mining and Railroads
Mining
Mining began in 1868, focusing on lead, copper, mercury, and zinc. Coal and iron mining, crucial for steel production, expanded, particularly in Asturias.
Railroad Construction
The General Law on Railways of June 1855 spurred the development of an extensive railway network. This aimed to stimulate internal trade.
Industrial Expansion at the Turn of the Century
New Energy and Industries
Electricity and oil became important energy sources. Electricity facilitated greater industrial mechanization, reduced production costs, and lowered prices. Its use expanded in two stages: 1880-1914 (lighting streets, factories, and public places) and 1914-1930 (widespread industrial use). Oil as fuel and the invention of the combustion engine led to the automobile industry (e.g., Hispano Suiza in 1904). The growing demand for machinery spurred the expansion of metallurgical and chemical industries.
19th-Century Society
From Class to Class Society
A capitalist class society emerged. The weak agricultural and industrial sectors meant a weak bourgeoisie and continued influence of the nobility. Social evolution was slower in Spain compared to Catalonia, where industrial development led to a more distinct class structure.
The New Ruling Class
- Landowning Nobility: Declined due to new economic activities, often forced to sell assets.
- Gentry: Owners of new industries, large companies, and banks.
- Middle Bourgeoisie: Small industrial entrepreneurs, traders, professionals, and officials.
Lower Classes
Urban areas consisted of workers, employees, shopkeepers, and artisans. Workers and employees earned wages, while artisans and shopkeepers traded their products. Living conditions were poor, with long working hours, low wages, and cramped housing.