Population Shift in Spain: 1900-1975 Demographic Changes

Demographic Transition (1900–1975)

This period marks the transition from old to current population structures. In Spain, this process occurred later than in other Western European countries; although brief, its intensity was notably higher.

Mortality and Birth Rate Dynamics

The transition involved a gradual decline in birth rates and a sharp decline in mortality, resulting in high natural growth.

• The birth rate declined smoothly but discontinuously, alternating periods of greater decline with others of recovery, often influenced by historical events.
• 1920s: Economic prosperity led to demographic recovery.
• 1930–1956: The decline resumed. The 1929 crisis, political instability during the Second Republic, the Civil War, and the subsequent postwar generation caused a demographic "hollow" (a result of sub-natalism).
• Exile and severe economic difficulties arising from autarkic policy and the international blockade hampered recovery. The pronatalist policies of the regime were insufficient to restore the birth rate.
• The postwar baby boom was late (around 1956–1965), driven by economic development following the end of the blockade and autarky.
• In recent years, the process of rural exodus was completed. The price of housing and working conditions led to a reduction in average family size.

Mortality Decline Factors

Overall mortality decreased significantly and steadily, interrupted only by moments of catastrophic mortality:

• The 1918 flu pandemic.
• The Spanish Civil War.

Key advances contributed to this decline:

Medical and Health Improvements

Significant progress was made in medicine and public health:

• Widespread use of vaccines and antibiotics.
• The institutionalization of births in clinics, leading to a decrease in neonatal mortality, and better care for women during labor and postpartum.
• The extension of public health services and improvements in public and private hygiene.

Socioeconomic Factors

Increased standard of living improved diet. Malnutrition and postwar shortages were overcome within 60 years. An increased level of education and culture promoted the prevention and correction of harmful traditional practices.

Infant Mortality

Infant mortality decreased, mainly due to progress in post-neonatal pediatrics, improved infant feeding, and better maternal care.

Natural Increase Summary

The natural increase was high, especially between 1920 and 1970, when mortality fell sharply while the birth rate experienced two peaks separated by the Civil War. By 1970, the birth rate had stagnated, while mortality continued to decline more slowly, causing the birth rate to fall quickly relative to mortality.