Social Transformations in 19th Century Spain: Rise of the Labor Movement
Social Transformations in 19th Century Spain
Population Growth and the Shift to a Class Society
Spanish society underwent significant changes in the 19th century, particularly after the death of Fernando VII in 1833. The old stratified social structure, based on estates with differing rights and obligations, began to give way to a class society where income became the primary factor in social division. This period also saw a significant increase in population due to improvements in nutrition, medical advancements, and hygiene. However, population distribution remained uneven, with higher concentrations in coastal areas and industrial centers.
The Genesis and Development of the Labor Movement
The Industrial Revolution led to the growth of an industrial working class, particularly in Catalonia and the Basque Country. Workers faced harsh conditions, including long hours, low wages, unemployment, and child exploitation. Early attempts to form worker associations were initially prohibited, but by the mid-19th century, workers began to mobilize for better conditions. The revolution of 1868 sparked hope for social reform, but the restoration ultimately led to a split between the labor movement and the democratic and republican parties.
The legalization of worker associations in 1887 allowed for the organized development of the labor movement, which was primarily divided into two ideological currents: Marxism and anarchism. The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), founded in 1879 by Pablo Iglesias, advocated for a Marxist revolution to establish a proletarian dictatorship. However, the PSOE gradually evolved towards more reformist positions. The anarchist movement, inspired by figures like Bakunin, rejected state organization and advocated for self-governing communities without private property. In Spain, anarchism manifested in two main forms: Andalusian anarchism, which promoted communal living, and Catalan anarcho-syndicalism, which focused on unions as a form of social organization. The CNT, founded in 1911, became the most important anarchist union.
Social Changes and the Rise of New Social Groups
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a reduction in mortality rates and continued population growth. Significant social changes accompanied these demographic shifts:
- The Nobility: While no longer officially recognized as a separate estate, the nobility retained some social influence. Some transitioned into business and finance, while others remained tied to land ownership.
- The High Bourgeoisie: This group, linked to economic modernization, held significant economic power and generally supported political liberalism and cultural progressivism.
- The Army: The military remained a prominent social group, with its officers and generals often drawn from the middle and upper classes.
The early 20th century was marked by the growth of worker organizations and their increasing capacity for mobilization, setting the stage for further social and political change in Spain.