Spain's Early 20th Century: Population Shifts, Urban Growth, and Agrarian Challenges
Population Movements and Migration
This was above all a period of significant migrations within Spain. So much so that there was a genuine redistribution of the population. People moved from the interior of Spain to large cities, especially Madrid and Barcelona, including Seville and Bilbao. Migrations in Catalonia were quite intense. In 1930, one out of every five residents was born outside Catalonia.
There were also external migrations, which began earlier in the late nineteenth century. The destination at that time was not Europe, but primarily Latin America, especially: Venezuela, Argentina, and Brazil. Many from Galicia went to Argentina, while Canarians particularly migrated to Venezuela. These transoceanic migrations to America were halted after the First World War.
Urban Growth and Development
Spanish cities grew significantly during this period. By the end of 1930, Barcelona reached a million inhabitants. Provincial capitals also grew considerably, especially mining and industrial cities.
Industrial and Mining City Expansion
In Biscay, Barakaldo and Sestao were two cities that grew significantly due to industry. In Asturias, Mieres and Langreo grew as major mining areas. In Barcelona, Terrassa, Sabadell, and Tarragona expanded due to industry.
Barcelona's Tremendous Growth
Barcelona experienced tremendous growth. The Eixample district appeared, and Barcelona annexed surrounding municipalities. Growth was strong and fast. This was a time of major public works, such as the construction of Via Laietana in 1907. Also at that time, construction of the metro and the Vallès railway began, and in 1929, the International Exposition was celebrated. These developments attracted many people seeking work, primarily from Aragon, Valencia, Murcia, and Almeria.
Agricultural Challenges and Rural Conflict
The agrarian crisis had two main components: the cereal crisis and the vineyard crisis.
The Cereal Crisis
The cereal crisis occurred due to the entry of bulk wheat into Western Europe from the USA, Canada, and Russia. This wheat was much cheaper and caused the ruin of European, and therefore Spanish, farmers. There were protests by farmers that lasted the entire first third of the century, as they sought economic protectionism.
The Vineyard Crisis
The vineyard crisis arose because of a vineyard pest, the phylloxera plague, which ate the plant's root. The plague began in northern France and spread southward. Phylloxera killed all the vines. While French vineyards were dying, Spanish farmers took advantage to export their wine.