Industrial Revolution in Spain: A Comprehensive Overview (1900-1930)
Industrial Consolidation in Spain (1900-1930)
The first third of the 20th century marked a significant period of industrial revolution. In Spain, this era presented distinct characteristics:
Key Characteristics
- Moderate Growth in the Secondary Sector: World War I accelerated the growth of exports, encouraging increased production of coal, iron, food, raw materials, textiles, and metallurgical products. This, in turn, led to the development of production centers.
- Low Competitiveness: Limited market growth and protectionist policies hindered competitiveness. This dependence was further exacerbated by reliance on foreign capital, raw materials, and technology.
- Regional Industrialization: Industries concentrated in traditional areas, with branches diversifying production in chemicals, hydroelectric power, cement, and metallurgy.
- Decline of Consumer Goods Industry: The consumer goods industry experienced a gradual decline.
- Consolidation of the Banking Sector: The banking sector played a crucial role in expanding investments and payment methods. Large banks emerged, fostering a close relationship between banking and industry, a trend that continues to this day.
Industrial Sectors
The cotton textile industry, a pioneer of industrialization in Spain since the 19th century, remained concentrated in Catalonia (90%). Its growth stimulated other sectors like food processing, chemicals, and electrical industries.
Other consumer industries experienced remarkable growth and technological advancements, driven by increasing urban demand and reduced energy costs due to the introduction of electricity. These industries often emerged in areas that had not undergone the first wave of industrialization, playing a significant role in canning.
The steel industry flourished due to accumulated capital. The success of Altos Hornos de Vizcaya stimulated the growth of blast furnaces in the Mediterranean region. Innovations arose in companies specializing in mechanical, naval, and railway equipment.
Emergence of New Industries
The high cost of coal propelled the development of electricity and its use in various industries. Technological innovations enabled long-distance electricity transmission, and the establishment of high-voltage lines encouraged the construction of large hydroelectric plants. Capital investments in electricity exploitation and distribution fostered the creation of large companies.
The chemical industry experienced significant growth with the production of fertilizers, dyes, bleaches, explosives, and artificial fibers. Cement production witnessed widespread dissemination and regional diversification.
While the oil and internal combustion engine revolutionized land transport and spurred the automobile industry, its development in Spain was relatively late.
Consolidation of Catalan Industry
Catalan industry diversified, witnessing the emergence of new sectors. Foreign investment played a crucial role in this expansion. The use of potassium salt, cement production, chemical, mechanical, and electrical industries, along with garment, footwear, paper, graphic arts, and food processing industries, fueled industrialization during a time of crisis.
The textile industry underwent significant transformations, with new specializations emerging. Finally, advancements in telephone and telegraph communications led to the creation of Radio Barcelona in 1924.
Demographic and Social Shifts
Spanish society underwent significant transformations during the first three decades of the 20th century. Sustained growth led to a demographic shift and a notable concentration of population in cities, resulting in considerable urban changes.
Population Growth
The population increased steadily since 1900, driven by high birth rates and a decline in mortality rates. The modernization of society and the adoption of birth control methods, particularly in urban areas, contributed to these changes.
Improvements in hygiene, healthcare, utilities, and food supply contributed to the decline in mortality rates. The Spanish flu pandemic, exacerbated by troop movements during World War I, was a notable exception, resulting in over 50 million deaths worldwide.
Population growth was more pronounced among the upper classes and in peripheral regions of the peninsula, while the lower classes experienced slower growth. Some regions witnessed rapid population increases, leading to migration flows towards industrialized areas.
Industrialized regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country experienced population growth primarily due to immigration.