Spain's Great Exodus: A History of International Migration (1853–1973)

Migration Affairs: Spanish Population Movements Abroad

The lack of resources and rapid growth of the Spanish population from the mid-nineteenth century led to significant emigration abroad. In 1853, Spanish legislation was successively passed to eliminate all obstacles hindering the exit of Spaniards.

Transoceanic Emigration

This movement went mainly to Latin America and secondarily to the USA, Canada, and Australia.

Phases of Transoceanic Migration

1. Mid-Nineteenth Century until the First World War

   This period saw the removal of obstacles to emigration, coupled with Latin American countries initiating policies to attract immigrants to settle and exploit their economic resources. Most migrants were of Atlantic origin: Galicians, Asturians, and Canarians. Their primary destinations were Argentina, Cuba, and Brazil. The typical profile was a male migrant devoted to agriculture, possessing low skill levels.

2. Decline Between the Two World Wars

   Emigration declined between the two world wars. The causes were:

   • The insecurity created by the First World War.
   • The Economic Crisis of 1929, which led South American countries to set quotas for immigrants.
   • The Spanish Civil War.

3. Post-War Recovery (1945–1960)

   Overseas migration recovered but remained below the figures of the early century. Decisive factors included the free authorization to leave Spain and the lifting of international isolation. The main source of migrants remained Galicia and the Canaries. Asturian emigration declined because the region provided steel work.

4. Post-1960 Decline

   Overseas emigration declined as it entered into competition with European destinations.

European Emigration

European emigration occurred in three distinct stages.

Stages of European Migration

1. Until Mid-Twentieth Century

   This movement was mainly directed to France. These migrants were seasonal farmers, construction workers, and housekeepers who came primarily from the countryside, later joined by Levantine political refugees.

2. Peak Emigration (1950–1973)

   This period produced the highest peak of emigration to Europe. The movement was stimulated by strong population growth, an agrarian population surplus due to mechanization, insufficient industrial absorption, and rising unemployment in Spain. In Europe, the rapid post-war economic reconstruction favored a wide range of jobs. Migrants came mainly from Andalusia and Galicia, and their main destinations were France, Germany, and Switzerland. The profile was typically that of skilled men who performed the hardest jobs.

3. Post-1973 Decline

   Emigration declined due to the Energy Crisis, which caused unemployment in the countries of Western Europe, leading many emigrants to return. Since then, migration maintains low levels.