The Evolution of the Spanish Labor Movement (1833-1874)

The Origins of the Labor Movement

The labor movement emerged as workers sought to improve their living conditions during the early stages of industrial development. Throughout much of the 19th century, workers in both rural and urban areas expressed their grievances through conventional methods such as banditry or civil strife.

However, as industrialization progressed and a liberal political system consolidated, workers adopted new forms of organization and struggle, paving the way for a fledgling labor movement. Initially, their claims were sporadic, but they eventually evolved into structured work policies as workers identified these as the primary solution to their problems.

The Reign of Isabel II (1833-1868)

In the 1840s, a wave of demonstrations swept through Andalusian fields, accompanied by an increase in banditry. In response to this rural violence, Narváez established the Civil Guard. Meanwhile, labor protests were channeled through collective action, most notably at the Bonaplata textile mill in Catalonia in 1835.

From 1840 onwards, workers began forming protective groups. Mutual aid societies were authorized in 1839. In Catalonia, strikes became more frequent, such as the 1854 protests against the freedom of contracting, which led to the subsequent outlawing of workers' societies in 1855.

The Democratic Sexennium (1868-1874)

The political freedoms and the recognition of the right to association during this period gave great impetus to the labor movement. A lack of political response led to increased distrust among workers toward democracy and the republic, prompting them to resort to direct action against employers (strikes, unions) and political pressure (elections, mass events, and political organizations) to improve their living conditions.

Ideological Channels of the Labor Movement

• Utopian Socialism: A political ideology seeking to improve workers' conditions by relying on the goodwill of employers. It is characterized by its theoretical nature and numerous projects, championed by figures such as J. Abreu, Pi i Margall, N. Monturiol, and F. Garrido.
• Marxism: Emerging in Spain during the reign of Amadeo I through P. Lafargue, this became the most significant ideology of the labor movement. Its principles are based on the destruction of capitalism to achieve communism through equal social and economic policy, advocating for the abolition of private property and the class struggle. It gained particular influence in Madrid, the Basque Country, and Asturias.
• Anarchism: Appearing shortly before Marxism, anarchism gained prominence following the 1864 creation of the International Workingmen's Association (AIT) in London. The freedoms brought by the Glorious Revolution led to the creation of the Spanish section of the AIT, where anarchist ideas initially held clear predominance.