19th Century Spain: Agriculture, Industry, Society & Transport
Issue 10: Agriculture, Industry, and Transport in 19th Century Spain
Economic Transformations of the 19th Century
A) Agriculture
Changes in Land Ownership
Agriculture was the primary employment sector in Spain. Significant changes occurred to align with the bourgeois and capitalist society:
- Transformation of Nobility Lands: Ownership shifted from the nobility, who previously held land rights, to a system where land could be freely sold or fragmented. This was achieved through:
- Abolition of estates: The nobility lost rights and privileges over agricultural workers, who became free.
- Abolition of primogeniture: Property could now be sold, moving from feudal to capitalist ownership.
- Changes in Church Lands: Disentailments through land confiscations from the church brought land to the market.
Evolution of Agriculture in the 19th Century
The elimination of feudalism and confiscations did not lead to technological innovations. New owners maintained traditional farming systems, and capital was not reinvested. Livestock reduction and increased pressure on farmers caused uprisings and tensions. Periods of crisis were followed by growth, notably increased production. The 1890s saw overproduction and a protectionist policy, leading to a crisis, particularly affecting the peasantry. Stagnation in Spanish agriculture was marked by:
- Unequal property distribution
- Lack of investment and technical development
- Poverty of the peasants
B) Industry
The Late Development of Spanish Industry
Spanish industry in the 19th century was characterized by stagnation due to:
- Mountainous geography hindering communications
- Scarcity and dispersion of energy sources and raw materials
- Lack of capital
- Protectionist policies hindering domestic markets
- Loss of colonies, depriving the country of markets and raw materials
Industry in the Mid-19th Century
Industry was weak, lacking labor and markets. The textile industry in Barcelona introduced new machinery temporarily, sustained by the Cuban market monopoly. The steel industry suffered from limited industrialization and poor-quality coal. Mining, rich in zinc, lead, mercury, and copper, was exploited mainly by foreign capital.
Industry in the Late 19th Century
The 1880s saw the rise of Basque steel, driven by quality iron ore, accumulated capital, free trade legislation, railroad construction, government orders for the navy, and technological advancements. The steel industry was linked to shipbuilding and railway construction. The textile industry improved with better communications. Electric power began in 1882. The last decade faced an economic crisis, with recovery in the early 20th century.
C) The Railroad
Development of Transport: The Railroad
The First Steps: A communications network was essential for reducing transport costs and creating an integrated market. The railway revolutionized transport, but initial progress was slow.
The Railways Act 1855: This law encouraged railroad corporations, facilitated imports, and attracted capital investment. The network’s creation was marked by significant capital, state guardianship, and foreign capital presence, mainly French. Planning mistakes and unrealistic expectations led to a crisis in 1866.
The Impact of the Railway: The railway facilitated goods exchange and movement, but the market was weak. Most peasants lived in a subsistence economy.
Other Transport Systems: Road construction began in 1840. Maritime transport saw the replacement of sail by steam. Barcelona and Bilbao became major ports.
Item 11: The Society of Estates to Class
A) The New Structure of Society
After Ferdinand VII’s death in 1833, a class society replaced the stratified society of the Old Regime. Social differences were based on wealth, and political participation was regulated by census suffrage.
Leadership Classes:
- High Bourgeoisie: Supported Isabel II and gained power.
- Aristocracy: Maintained social influence and allied with the bourgeoisie.
- Church: Became economically dependent on the state.
- Military: Held significant political influence.
Middle Class: Included politicians, officials, landowners, and industrialists.
Petty Bourgeoisie: Defended private property and individual rights.
Lower Class: Farmers and workers, with varying levels, including the proletariat. Rural and urban groups had distinct characteristics.
B) The Genesis of the Labor Movement
Living Conditions: Poor working conditions, low wages, long hours, and lack of social protection led to discontent. Life expectancy was low.
Early Labor Movement (1840-1868): Mutual aid societies were formed. The first general strike occurred in 1855, demanding freedom of association and better working conditions.
Division of the Labor Movement (1868-1874): The First International Workers Association (IWA) was established. Internal conflicts between Marxists and anarchists led to a split. In Spain, Bakunin’s theories gained prominence, leading to the creation of the Spanish Regional Federation of the AIT. Workers’ associations were banned after the coup in 1874.