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

15th Century: Economic & Social Transformation

Politically, the 15th century witnessed a significant trend towards the concentration of monarchical power across most of Western Europe. Political authority, once dispersed among various estates, gradually consolidated in the hands of the king. Concurrently, the expansion of roads, improved transport, and commercial success fostered the emergence of new commercial activities that began to break down the traditional barriers of guilds and cities.

This period also saw a deep crisis in the social relations of estates. The development of agriculture, livestock, and industry fueled the growth of the bourgeoisie and the widespread dissemination of their mentality and values, including: individuality,

19th Century Industrialization in Catalonia

Key Industries

• Textile Industry: Experienced a significant boom in the 19th century.
• Mining Sector: Did not experience the same level of growth as the textile industry.
• Metallurgical Industry: Initiated by Bonaplata and continued by terrestrial and marine engineers.
• Chemical Industry: Specialized in dyes for textile printing and washing.
• Cork Industry: Saw an expansion in the production of spirits and wines.
• Paper Manufacturing: Growth in paper production.

The Labor Movement

Working Conditions

Workers faced extremely difficult conditions:

• Low wages
• Long working hours, up to 15 hours a day
• Precarious working environments with noise, extreme temperatures, and poor ventilation
• Poor nutrition and lack of rest
• Frequent