Spanish Industrialization: 1855-1985 – A Historical Analysis
Spanish Industrialization (1855-1985)
Introduction: Spanish industrialization faced delays compared to other European nations (1855-1900). Several factors contributed to this:
- Limited access to raw materials and basic energy resources.
- A scarcity of entrepreneurial spirit.
- Limited capital availability.
- Significant technological backwardness.
- Restricted demand for industrial products.
- An unfavorable foreign policy.
- Inadequate industrial policies.
Growth Factors (1900-1936)
Industrial growth occurred due to:
- Increased coal mining.
- National investment momentum.
- Protectionist industrial policies.
- Public works projects.
The Civil War and postwar period interrupted industrial growth.
Industrial Development (1960-1975)
This period saw significant industrial development due to:
- Liberalization of imports.
- Expansion of the global capitalist economy, which benefited Spain.
- Low industrial energy prices.
Production and Technological Innovations (1855-1975)
Second Half of the 19th Century
The First Industrial Revolution boosted the iron and steel industry.
Early 20th Century
Sectors related to the Second Industrial Revolution became key drivers, often supported by the state. Consumer goods industries thrived alongside rising living standards.
The computer industry reflected Spain’s technological backwardness.
Industrial Structure
Key features included:
- Mass production systems.
- Abundant, low-skilled labor.
- A contrast between small and large companies.
- Technological backwardness, dependence on external financing, and energy sources.
As a result, Spain industrialized later than other nations.
Factors and Trends in Industrial Location
Classic Factors
- Proximity to raw materials and energy sources.
- A large consumer market.
- An abundant and cheap labor force.
- Well-developed transportation systems.
- Capital availability.
- Supportive industrial policies from the state.
Industrial Concentration
Industry tended to concentrate in large urban areas to benefit from economies of scale.
Industrial Areas
Early Industrialization
Spanish industry concentrated on the peninsular periphery, in regions with:
- Extractive resource-related activities.
- Port-based areas.
- Urban industrial areas.
20th Century
The previous regions strengthened their industrial dominance. The Cantabrian regions, Mediterranean regions, and the Madrid area consolidated their industry through centralized policies. New industrial spaces appeared during the Franco regime, but industrialization in other areas was limited.
Spanish Industrial Policy
Characterized by government intervention:
- Protectionist policies were established.
- Public companies were created.
- Measures were adopted to correct territorial imbalances in industry and development.
The Crisis and Restructuring of Industry (1975-1985)
Causes of the Crisis
External Causes
- Increased energy costs.
- Exhaustion of previous technologies.
- New industrial sectors and flexible production systems.
- New demand features and economic globalization.
- Competition from Newly Industrialized Countries (NICs).
Internal Causes
- Structural deficiencies in Spanish industry.
- Historical circumstances.