Spanish Industrialization: Obstacles, Railways, and Social Movements
Obstacles to Industrialization in Spain
Spain’s industrial development lagged behind other European nations. The nutrition industry was not consolidated until late in the century, even in regions like Asturias, Galicia, and Madrid. Key factors hindering industrialization included:
- Low purchasing power: Widespread poverty among the peasantry limited demand.
- Lack of investment: A weak industrial bourgeoisie and insufficient capital hindered growth.
- Transportation and energy: Poor roads, limited rail infrastructure, and energy shortages hampered progress.
- Geographic challenges: Remote locations hindered access to raw materials.
Tariffs on foreign goods (dimpostos) were imposed to protect domestic industries.
Railway Construction
Significant railway construction began after the General Law of Railroads in June 1855. Approximately 4,500 km of track were built between 1865 and 1875, with another 3,000 km added between 1876 and 1885. The need for a fast rail network was crucial, but the Spanish steel industry struggled to meet the demand for materials. The railway network was designed with a radial structure and a wider gauge than most European lines. This had a positive impact on the economy, facilitating the movement of people and goods.
Industrial Expansion and Regional Imbalance
During the 19th century, industrial activity expanded beyond Catalonia and the Basque Country. Valencia and Madrid became the third industrial region of Spain. Strong population growth between 1900 and 1930, from 18 to 23 million, also fueled industrial expansion. However, significant regional disparities in wealth persisted. By 1930, Catalonia, with 50% of the population, had a GDP significantly above the Spanish average.
Anarchism
Anarchism gained strong support among peasants and workers in Catalonia and Andalusia. In the late 19th century, anarchist groups advocated for autonomous organizations and challenged bourgeois society. The period between 1893 and 1897 saw numerous attacks on capitalist targets. In response to this violence, trade unions were formed to drive the revolution. In 1907, Solidaridad Obrera (Workers’ Solidarity) was founded, followed by the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT) in 1910.
Socialism
Socialism had a greater influence among the proletariat in Madrid, Biscay, and Asturias. The Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE) was founded in 1879, and the Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT) was established in 1888. Socialist strongholds emerged in cities like Barcelona, Reus, and Mataró. While initially declaring themselves apolitical, they later participated in elections to gain parliamentary representation. The PSOE slowly grew, but did not secure deputies until 1910.
New Ruling Classes
The traditional landowning nobility, though losing some ancestral rights, retained significant social influence. Some families failed to adapt to new economic activities and were ruined. The new ruling class was the bourgeoisie, which shared power with the high nobility. This class owned new industries and large banks. The bourgeoisie was relatively small in Spain, forming a limited industrial sector of merchants and liberals.