Industry and Economy in 19th Century Spain

Agriculture and 19th Century Economic Issues

The agricultural sector, while very important in the 19th-century economy, was very poor during this century. The set of confiscations carried out during this century, known collectively as the "liberal land reform," did not produce the desired impact. The lack of materials such as compost or machinery slowed the development of this sector, resulting in the failure of livelihoods to sustain the population and triggering ongoing subsistence crises.

These problems were compounded by other factors hampering economic development. These mainly included:

• Delaying the demographic transition
• Migration
• Poor education
• Lack of energy sources
• The country's peripheral position relative to other industrialized countries

Moreover, there was a significant shortage of domestic capital, as foreign capital predominated.

Industrial Development in 19th Century Spain

The Textile Sector: A Pioneer Industry

The pioneer industry in terms of development was the textile sector, particularly in Catalonia. With the rise of the industrial bourgeoisie, introducing new machinery and modern techniques (such as steam power by the Bonaplata siblings), which, together with government support and protectionist measures aimed at reserving the national market, encouraged the development of this sector.

Catalonia's Textile Dominance

Within the textile industry, the most dynamic sector was cotton, which benefited from the ban on imports of cotton yarn in 1802. Notably, the wool industry located in the outskirts of Barcelona, Sabadell, and Mataró, which caused the ruin of traditional production centers (Ávila, Palencia). This area also saw the relocation of the silk industry from the Levant and Andalusia, which led to increased demand for labor.

Steel Industry Struggles and Growth

In contrast, the steel industry experienced great difficulties because there was no good coal and low demand for steel products.

Steel Industry Stages

We distinguish two stages in the development of this sector throughout the century: the first stage, the Andalusian stage, coincided with the Carlist wars, thus preventing the exploitation of iron from the north and forcing the use of charcoal, which was more expensive and less energy-efficient, causing its failure. The second stage, the Asturian stage, is notable for the production of coal in the area, but it was of poor quality.

However, at the end of the century, this sector took off due to the creation of the commercial hub between Bilbao and Cardiff (Wales), which facilitated the profitable exchange of iron and good quality coal. Subsequently, the introduction of blast furnaces enhanced iron production.

The Mining Sector and Foreign Influence

The mining sector was largely monopolized by foreign hands. Spain is a country with a territory rich in minerals (iron, lead, zinc, etc.) located in coastal areas, which lowered costs and facilitated export.

However, by the end of the century, it became one of the most dynamic sectors of the national economy. This was largely because the Spanish subsoil, as mentioned before, was in foreign hands due to the subsoil law published during the preceding years.