19th Century Spanish Social Change and Labor Movement
Population Growth and Social Transformation
Throughout the 19th century, Spain’s population experienced growth despite a high mortality rate. Several factors contributed to this high mortality, including:
- Continuous warfare
- Infectious diseases
- Recurring food crises due to poor harvests
However, a high birth rate offset these losses. In the latter part of the century, improved transportation facilitated internal migration, particularly a rural exodus to cities, and increased emigration abroad.
The liberal revolution marked a shift from a stratified class society to a capitalist one, where property ownership became the defining element. The old nobility lost their privileges, while the ruling elite was bolstered by generals and the church hierarchy. The gentry comprised landowners, merchants, shipowners, bankers, and financiers, all united by conservative interests and a commitment to maintaining order.
The Emergence of New Social Classes
The middle classes were diverse, with a predominantly conservative ideology. Only a small minority actively engaged in politics and held critical views.
The peasantry, the largest social group, faced deteriorating conditions. The government frustrated their hopes following the liberal revolution, though many continued to support progress. Most peasants remained detached from political movements.
Artisans remained numerous inland, while the growth of cities led to an increase in service workers, including public employees, white-collar workers, and domestic servants.
A significant change during this era was the rise of the industrial working class and the growth of working-class neighborhoods. Initially, workers struggled to understand the implications of the abolition of guilds, which had provided mutual assistance and relief. The introduction of steam engines in factories led to layoffs and occasional machinery destruction.
The Birth of the Labor Movement
Early forms of labor organization emerged as mutual aid societies. In 1840, the Mutual Protection Society of Cotton Spinners was founded, with some members influenced by utopian socialism. However, a lack of class consciousness led Barcelona workers to align with their employers in 1842 to defend protectionism.
Two progressive experiences proved pivotal. Following their participation in the revolution, the labor movement gained momentum. In July 1885, a general strike erupted in Barcelona to defend freedom of association. However, the resulting Labor Act favored employers’ interests.
Several workers’ academies played a role in raising cultural and political awareness. In October 1868, Giuseppe Fanelli, a member of the International Workers Association (IWA), arrived in Spain to establish anarchist principles. Fanelli founded sections in Madrid and Barcelona, the latter becoming the stronger of the two.
In June 1870, the first congress of the Spanish section of the International took place in Barcelona. In the spring of 1871, under King Amadeus of Savoy, the Paris Commune uprising led to repressive measures against the IWA in Spain.
The government’s attempt to outlaw the IWA was blocked by the Supreme Court. However, the Zaragoza Congress was dissolved by the government during its proceedings. In December 1871, Paul Lafargue, a Marxist supporter, arrived. Following the Zaragoza Congress, Marxist leaders were expelled from Madrid and subsequently founded the New Madrid Federation.
The proclamation of the Republic triggered demonstrations and strikes, forcing employers to concede on wages and working conditions. However, worker participation in the Alcoy strike and the cantonal movement provided conservatives with a pretext to suppress the IWA.
The Sexenio period marked a significant phase of political awareness and organization for the Spanish labor movement, as well as the assimilation of major European labor ideologies. When the government eased repression in 1881, anarchists founded the Federation of Spanish Regional Workers, focusing on union activism and demands.
Along with intellectuals and craftsmen, anarchists founded the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) in May 1879. Its initial program aimed for the abolition of classes, the collectivization of private property, and the working class’s conquest of political power. In 1888, the General Workers Union (UGT), a socialist-inspired union, was founded in Barcelona.
In 1890, May Day was celebrated for the first time, echoing the Second International’s call, with numerous demonstrations. Catholic-inspired labor movements also attempted to organize in the late 19th century.