Understanding Industrialization: A Comprehensive Analysis
Understanding Industrialization
Factors Driving Industrialization
Agricultural development in England generated significant capital that was invested in industry. Changes favoring agriculture, labor, and cities led to a population increase and a workforce for factories. Surplus farmers and industrial products created demand for steel. Modern England (London) became a commercial and maritime power. Accumulated capital from fabric sales was used to promote the industrial sector. Great Britain possessed abundant energy sources and raw materials, including iron and coal. Favorable river transport and England’s limited involvement in wars facilitated its development.
Characteristics of the Industrial Sector
The 18th-century European economy experienced rapid and significant changes known as the Industrial Revolution. Key aspects included technological innovations in industry, the implementation of new work organization methods, and the use of new energy sources like coal. The Western world saw the social invention of new industrial strengths, which were applied to transportation.
The Textile Industry’s Role
The textile industry was at the forefront of technological innovation, greatly increasing production through machining. Europe and its colonies controlled the technological market. The steam engine was a fundamental achievement of the Industrial Revolution.
Industrialization in the Basque Country: Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa
Industrialization began in Bizkaia in the mid-19th century, followed by Gipuzkoa, Araba, and Navarre around 1900 and 1960, respectively. Bizkaia developed a modern iron and steel industry, leveraging its mineral-rich resources. The Bessemer converter facilitated the massive export of Biscay iron ore to Europe, accumulating capital for further industrial development. Vizcaya experienced extraordinary development in the late 19th century. Low-cost coal transport to England and the return of coke to Bilbao fueled the British iron and steel industry.
In Gipuzkoa (1900), metallurgy and the paper sector led industrialization, impacting textiles, arms, food, and furniture industries. Unlike Bizkaia, industry in Gipuzkoa was more dispersed. Industrialization relied on immigrant workers, who often faced long hours in mining barracks in exchange for lodging. Mining companies used official store cards to exchange products. European socialism emerged as a means to improve workers’ living conditions, leading to the formation of Socialist groups in mining areas like Bilbao, Ortuella, and Sestao. Structures such as wooden houses and barracks evoke the early days of iron mining. Bizkaiko’s steel plate production was less competitive than its ingot production.
Consequences of Transportation Advancements
Reduced transport costs, regional specialization, and the division of labor were effects of steam-powered transportation.
Features of Industrialization in Gipuzkoa
Metallurgy and the paper industry dominated industrialization in Gipuzkoa. The paper industry was less concentrated compared to Bizkaia.