Spanish Social Transformations in the 19th Century
Social Transformations in 19th Century Spain
They experienced major demographic changes in the context of social change during the transition from the Ancien Régime to contemporary times.
Demographics
In contrast to the population stagnation of previous centuries, Spain experienced stable population growth. Trends in spatial distribution consolidated, mirroring current population patterns. Characteristics included:
- Moderate population growth due to the persistence of the old demographic regime.
- Increasing migration, urban growth, and a spatial distribution trend towards coastal and industrial areas.
A slight increase in the average population growth rate was facilitated by improved conditions, leading to decreased mortality while fertility remained stable.
New Class Society
During the Ancien Régime, society had been stratified. The number of nobles decreased, while the middle classes increased. There was a rise in the number of officials, liberal professions, traders, and industrialists. The 19th century is considered the century of the bourgeoisie. However, changes in Spanish society remained uneven and predominantly rural.
Nobility
The nobility lost influence but adapted to new circumstances, retaining preeminence through marital links with affluent families and business alliances with solvent firms. This improved their economic situation. They retained some political relevance through Senate seats. The aristocracy was not generally involved in industrial, mining, or rail activities. The bourgeoisie often imitated noble habits.
Clergy
The clergy was very different due to the development of the liberal revolution. The Church lost most of its property due to confiscations, and religious orders were sharply reduced. The secular clergy remained. The clergy was deprived of its main funding sources and much of its influence in society, losing its monopoly on education. The Church hierarchy opposed liberalism, religious tolerance, and the separation of church and state.
The Rise of the Bourgeoisie
The bourgeoisie was the main protagonist of the 19th century. Their importance resulted from the liberal revolution, and confiscations allowed them to acquire many goods. They obtained revenues by diversifying their activities. The economic progress of the century favored the emergence of a new middle class of professionals and businesses. State officials and the army held great significance due to the conflicts throughout the period. A regional and peripheral bourgeoisie developed. Within the bourgeoisie was a large middle class composed of professionals (lawyers, engineers, government officials, etc.).
Rural Society
The primary sector still accounted for almost half of the gross domestic product in the 20th century and employed 70% of the workforce. There was a group of large landowners, but the largest group was the peasantry. A division can be made:
- Small and medium landowners
- Tenants and sharecroppers (foerros in Galicia and rabassaires in Catalonia)
- Laborers
Urban Workers
Changes in the city were more significant than in the countryside. There was a strong alteration of their appearance: noble palaces and convents of the 18th century were replaced by new services such as markets and galleries. In the cities, there was great diversity of workers: tycoons, middle classes made up of small industrialists, commercial workers, and professionals, the industrial proletariat, and the marginalized, represented by the poor and beggars.