Spain's Restoration Era: Urbanization and Industrial Growth

Urbanization and Industrialization

The Restoration was a period of political stability during which Spain experienced significant social and economic modernization.

Population Growth

Natural Movements

The Spanish population grew throughout the 19th century, with the most intense growth occurring in the first half of the century. In 1877, the population was 16 million, and by 1900, it did not exceed 18 million. Early in the 20th century, growth accelerated, reaching 20 million by 1920.

Compared to the rest of Europe, the Spanish population grew at a slower rate. This was primarily due to a high mortality rate and a subdued birth rate. Life expectancy remained low, at approximately 35 years in 1900.

Migratory Movements

Economic hardship in poorer regions drove the population toward cities, shifting from the north and center toward the periphery. External migration was also intense; during the Restoration and through World War I, South America and Cuba attracted over a million people. After the war, Europe became the preferred destination.

Urban Transformation

Urbanization intensified during the Restoration. The population of major cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, grew at a rapid rate. By 1930, both cities exceeded 1 million inhabitants. However, this trend was not as strong as in the rest of Europe, and a larger portion of the population continued to live in rural areas rather than cities.

Economy and Economic Policy

The Difficult Industrialization

Industrialization in Spain was delayed compared to other European countries due to several factors:

• High transport costs and poor road infrastructure.
• The high cost of domestic coal and low energy production.
• High manufacturing costs.
• A lack of a domestic market due to the loss of colonies and low wages for the majority of the population.

Productive Economy

The Spanish economy remained primarily agricultural.

Agriculture and Livestock

The majority of the population lived in rural areas, engaged in agricultural activities. The Spanish countryside was upgraded during this period through the introduction of new capitalist exploitation methods, though traditional crop systems and techniques persisted. Landowner profits were high, while wages remained minimal. New crops were introduced, including sugar beet, millet, cotton, and various fruits and vegetables.

Mineral Wealth

Spanish mining production was highly significant for the rest of Europe, both in quantity and variety, although most mining concessions were held by foreign-owned companies.

Industry

Industrial activity was concentrated in three regions: Catalonia, Asturias, and the Basque Country.

• Catalonia: Maintained a textile industry, largely family-owned, while also developing sectors such as locomotives, automobiles, electricity, and gas.
• Basque Country: Became a hub for banking, steel production, and shipping.