Industrialization in Vizcaya: Late 19th-Early 20th Century
Industrialization in Vizcaya: Late 19th and Early 20th Century
This is an extract from the novel El Intruso, focusing on the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its author is Blasco Ibáñez, a Valencian writer deeply engaged with politics. He was a naturalistic author known for his vivid descriptions of workers’ living conditions. This first-level text was written in 1904.
The Rise of Industry in Vizcaya
This period marked the beginning of industrialization in Vizcaya, which commenced after the end of the Third Carlist War. The dominant sector at the time was the iron industry, along with shipbuilding and mineral extraction. These mines were strategically located near efficient communication routes: the coast. Furthermore, the mineral was of high quality.
Economic and Social Consequences
Regarding the economic consequences, capital was accumulated and invested in developed industries. As the population of the Basque Country was insufficient to meet labor demands, foreign workers were needed. These workers initially arrived seasonally, during periods when they had no harvest to collect. However, they soon realized the availability of permanent employment and relocated to the Basque Country. Therefore, it’s clear that industrialization significantly influenced migration patterns.
Working and Living Conditions
Workers’ living conditions were often precarious. While some jobs, particularly in mines or pits, were inherently dangerous, this extract focuses on the Encartaciones region, where iron appeared near the surface, and exploitation occurred in open-air settings. Although open-air work was comparatively easier, workers, including women and children, endured extremely long hours. Their housing lacked basic hygienic conditions, and they were forced to purchase food in canteens.
Analysis of Labor in *El Intruso*
Examining the text, we observe that the jobs, such as mineral exportation, were relatively straightforward, accessible even to unskilled individuals. However, as previously mentioned, the working hours were excessive. Workers resided in barracks—communal living spaces where many people lived together. These barracks were often cramped and poorly ventilated, creating ideal conditions for the rapid spread of illnesses, particularly those transmitted by insects. Although salaries aren’t explicitly mentioned, the simplicity of the tasks suggests that wages were very low. A doctor was usually present due to the high prevalence of illness.
Regional Differences and Job Security
A key characteristic of the work was the minimal risk, owing to the surface-level mineral deposits. Regional differences existed; while exploitation was relatively easy in this area, in other countries, coal was found in mines, making conditions considerably more challenging. Finally, there was a significant lack of job security. Workers who participated in strikes or voiced complaints could be easily dismissed, as their lack of specialized skills made them readily replaceable.
Conclusion: Migration and Social Impact
In conclusion, workers lived in barracks and predominantly migrated from impoverished regions of Spain to the Basque Country (primarily from Galicia, and sometimes from Castile). The relationship between locals and immigrants was strained, as the immigrants were often perceived as outsiders. The influx of foreign labor contributed to the rise of racist nationalism.