History of Spanish Transoceanic Emigration: 19th to 20th Century

Types of International Population Movements

Population movements outside national borders take several forms, primarily directed toward transoceanic emigration to Latin America, the United States, Canada, and Australia. While most cases were permanent, some were temporary. This phenomenon is categorized into three distinct phases of boom and crisis.

Phase A: The First Boom (Mid-19th Century to WWI)

At the start of this period, emigration to America had been significantly reduced due to 18th-century Bourbon population policies that discouraged departure, alongside the independence of former colonies in the early 19th century.

However, the situation changed in 1853 because Latin American countries required immigrants for settlement, facilitating migration and the arrival of recruiters in Spain. Spain subsequently reduced barriers to emigration, which served as a solution to agrarian delays. Additionally, many young people chose to emigrate to avoid the three-year mandatory military service.

• Origins: Primarily the Atlantic regions (Galicia, Asturias, and the Canary Islands).
• Destinations: Argentina, Cuba, and Brazil.
• Profile: Young, single males with low skill levels, typically dedicated to agriculture.

Phase B: Decline Between the World Wars

Transoceanic emigration declined between the two world wars due to several factors:

• The insecurity generated by World War I.
• The economic crisis of 1929.
• The Spanish Civil War and its aftermath, which caused transport shortages and political restrictions under the Francoist regime.

Phase C: Post-War Recovery (1945–1960)

Transoceanic emigration recovered during this period, though it did not reach early 20th-century figures. While Galicia and the Canary Islands remained primary sources, emigration from Asturias fell due to the growth of the steel industry (siderurgia).

Key shifts included:

• Destinations: Venezuela, Argentina, and Brazil.
• Profile: Increased importance of family migration and higher levels of professional qualification among migrants.

Phase D: Decline Since 1960

After 1960, transoceanic emigration began to decline due to the downturn in the Latin American economy and increased competition from migration flows toward Europe.