Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Geography

Early Spanish Industrialization

The exploitation and trade of iron and coal from Biscay and Asturias eventually led to the development of the steel and mechanical industries. Concurrently, the cotton textile industry developed in Barcelona, alongside the wool industry in Sabadell, Terrassa, and Béjar.

Autarky and INI (1939-1959)

This period saw the imposition of a policy of autarky, which emphasized self-sufficiency and minimizing trade with foreign countries. The Instituto Nacional de Industria (INI) was created during this time.

Key Export Sectors During Autarky:

• Consumer Goods: Footwear, leather, cork, furniture, paper, and publishing.
• Basic Industries: Rubber, machinery, mining, and shipbuilding.

Regional Industry in 1975

Different regions developed... Continue reading "Spanish Industrial History and Regional Development" »

T14 5.1 Workforce

The workforce consists of the active population, including employed adults and those unemployed or seeking their first job. In Spain, this represents the active population, but only about 58% of the total population.

Employed active population accounts for over 58% of the total population.

Three Main Sectors:

1. Primary Sector: Employs a small percentage of the workforce (4.8%) and continues to decline.
2. Secondary Sector: While it created jobs, the workforce has decreased (29.6%). Some administrative roles have moved to other countries.
3. Tertiary Sector: Employs a large portion of the Spanish population and has diversified in recent years.

Unemployment rates in Spain are high due to a greater demand for work than job creation. In 1994,... Continue reading "Understanding Spain's Workforce, Immigration, and Murcia's Population" »

Columbus's Atlantic Crossing Proposal

Genoese sailor Christopher Columbus proposed a westward voyage across the Atlantic to reach the Spice Islands, aiming to bypass the traditional eastern routes around Africa.

Columbus's Voyages to the Americas

First Voyage: Reaching the New World (1492)

The first expedition, consisting of the flagship Santa Maria and two caravels, the Pinta and the La Niña, departed from the port of Palos de la Frontera. After a stopover in the Canary Islands, the ships crossed the Atlantic, sighting land on October 12, 1492. This was the small island of Guanahani in the Bahamas, which Columbus named San Salvador.

Later Expeditions by Columbus

The success of the first voyage led to the swift preparation of subsequent expeditions:... Continue reading "Columbus's Voyages: Dawn of a New World Era" »

19th Century Economic and Social Changes

The nineteenth century saw significant agricultural changes that could be divided into two groups:

• Liberal Land Reform

  The first was the liberal land reform, which stimulated the improvement of agricultural production and marketing in Spain but led to social conflict because it was unable to create a class of smallholders and a middle class: the working peasantry. The primary measures of this reform were the abolition of the manorial regime, the division of land, and the confiscation of assets, leading to agricultural market liberalization. These changes led to the consolidation of private land ownership and placed assets and property systems in Catalonia into the hands of new owners, favoring production

Franco's Spain: Economy and Social Change

In 1939, Spain was devastated. The Franco regime was modeled after Italy (Mussolini) and Germany (Hitler). These models emphasized state intervention and economic self-sufficiency (autorquía). The state controlled prices of agricultural products, compelling farmers to surrender their crops.

In 1941, the National Institute was established to control foreign commerce and industry.

Economic Failure in the 1940s

Agricultural production declined after the war, and the black market dominated the economy. The international isolation of the Franco regime worsened the situation.

The End of Autorquía (1950s)

Economic policy shifted in the 1950s. Prices were deregulated, and food rationing ended in 1952. Starting... Continue reading "Franco's Spain: Economy and Social Transformation" »

Toward the Contemporary World

At the end of the 18th century, certain movements in the economy overrode attempts at protectionism, which was based in most countries of old Europe. Industry was widely dispersed, operating in workshops, and the small textile industry was concentrated. After 1760, this process became known as the Industrial Revolution. This reform began in England, where the bourgeoisie controlled power, helping to transform agriculture. The Industrial Revolution marked the transition from a traditional agrarian economy to one marked by industry and machine production.

Demographic Revolution: Population Increases

Causes:

• Drop in mortality.
• Eradication of diseases (Black Death).
• Progress of personal and urban hygiene.
• Collection of garbage

Spain's Diverse Agricultural Landscapes

Agricultural landscapes represent the morphology of rural areas, a combination of the natural environment and agricultural activity. The diversity of these combinations explains the variety of existing agricultural landscapes.

The Agricultural Landscape of Wet Spain

This region comprises the north and northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, characterized by rugged terrain with few flat areas and wet oceanic climates throughout the year.

Agrarian Structure

Historically, a large population couldn't be supported by the land, leading to migration and an aging population today. Settlements are dispersed in villages and parishes.

Farmers own small plots (minifundismo) surrounded by hedges, decreasing profitability and... Continue reading "Spain's Agricultural Landscapes: A Regional Analysis" »

During the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, while a unified state as a legal entity didn't exist, the monarchs ruled over a collection of territories with shared interests. They were aware of this commonality and, while retaining the traditional titles of their respective kingdoms, sought to create new institutions and homogenize existing ones. Key examples include the Inquisition, the establishment of permanent Ambassadors, and the strengthening of the Army.

Government Institutions

Several key government institutions emerged or were consolidated during this period:

Viceroyalties

Viceroyalties were established as representatives of the monarchs in realms where they were frequently absent. Viceroys held significant political, judicial, and military... Continue reading "The Catholic Monarchs: Unifying Spain Through Institutions" »

Natural Gas: Problems and Market Dynamics

Natural gas problems: They are not renewable. Asian economies are beginning to increase demand for the product, which will raise prices. Major producers: Russia, USA, Iran, China, Saudi Arabia. Refiners: Western USA. Consumers: USA, Japan, Germany, and Asian economies.

Problems with Natural Gas

Producers are trying to regulate and control the market, similar to the oil market. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), comprised of 11 states, controls 78% of petroleum. Oil prices are still high but not excessive, to prevent economic crises (drop in consumption).

Consumers are diversifying their purchasing locations and seeking energy alternatives, although these are often more expensive.... Continue reading "Natural Gas and Water Resources: Challenges and Solutions" »

EU Tourism Policy: Objectives and Modalities

The European Union's tourism policy aims to achieve several key objectives:

• Facilitating tourism as an element of European integration.
• Promoting new modalities, such as rural tourism and eco-tourism.
• Improving information and protection for tourists.
• Enhancing the preparation of the sector through improved professional training.

Spain's Service Sector: Growth, Types, and Location

The tertiary sector in Spain has grown significantly, reaching a level comparable to other developed countries. This growth is attributed to several factors:

• Increased life expectancy of the population.
• A generalization of the welfare state.
• Increased demand for services from other economic activities.
• Implementation of regulations