Biscay Miners’ Struggle in 19th-Century Spain
The Rise of Industrialization in Biscay
In the latter half of the 19th century, Spain began its transformation from a rural to an industrial nation. This complex process was hampered by competition from other European countries that had industrialized earlier. The Industrial Revolution took hold in Catalonia’s textile industry and Biscay’s burgeoning steel industry. Biscay’s high-quality iron ore, easily accessible and close to the sea, fueled this growth.
The Influx of Workers and its Consequences
The exploitation of iron ore and its export attracted a large workforce to Biscay, leading to a significant rural exodus from surrounding areas and even Madrid. This influx of workers spurred economic development but also created numerous problems. Biscay, particularly its mining region, became a hub for immigrants seeking work and a better life.
Harsh Working Conditions for Miners
These immigrants, however, faced harsh working conditions, especially in the mines. Miners in the early 20th century had a life expectancy of no more than thirty years. They endured appalling conditions, long hours, and low pay. They lived in company-owned barracks, often managed by supervisors, where hygiene was neglected. They were also forced to buy food and clothing from company-owned stores at inflated prices.
The Rise of the Labor Movement
The growing influence of socialist and communist labor movements forced employers to gradually improve these conditions. Strikes became commonplace throughout the mining area.
Improvements in the Early 20th Century
Conditions improved in the early 20th century with the development of other sectors like metallurgy and shipbuilding, a growing Basque nationalist consciousness, and the creation of Altos Hornos. These factors contributed to the Basque bourgeoisie taking ownership of the mines from foreign companies, leading to some improvements for the miners.
The Miners’ Protest of 1896
A socialist newspaper, The Class Struggle, published an article detailing the miners’ appalling living conditions and their demands. These demands were voiced on May 1, 1896, Labor Day, at the Gallarta municipality, a central mining location in Biscay. The miners protested against the mandatory company stores and the cramped, unsanitary barracks they were forced to live in.
Demands for Change
The miners demanded a public commission to investigate the barracks and stores, a demand that had not been met during the 1890 strike, which had successfully reduced working hours to ten. The situation regarding housing and supplies, however, remained unchanged. The article highlighted the miners’ obligation to live in unsanitary barracks and purchase overpriced, low-quality goods from company-controlled stores. This practice, contrary to liberal ideology and existing laws, was a prerequisite for employment, violating freedom of labor and health regulations.
The Threat of Strikes
The miners declared their right to strike if the government and authorities failed to address their concerns and abolish the mandatory barracks and company stores, echoing their actions in 1890. They aimed to end the exploitation by the foremen, likened to slave drivers.
Conclusions
The miners’ protests exemplify the class struggle fueled by industrialization, pitting workers against the mine owners who also controlled their housing and supplies. The appalling working conditions and exploitative practices contradicted liberal ideology. The miners’ situation only began to improve in the early 20th century when Basque bourgeois and oligarchs took ownership of the mines.