Spanish Demographic and Economic Evolution: 1860-1931

Demographic and Migration Trends

Demographic Model: Transition from pre-capitalist (high growth) to developed capitalist (low growth) in the 20th century.

• 1st Phase (1860-1900): Population stagnation; labor force tied to land; migration to industrial areas or Spanish colonies.
• 2nd Phase (1900-1930): Population growth; decreased infant mortality; impact of wars, famines, and epidemics. Significant growth in Madrid and Barcelona; continued migration to cities and the Americas.

Economic Evolution

Transition from a pre-industrial to a semi-industrial society with regional specialization.

1st Phase (1874-1902)

Agricultural sector experienced slow modernization following the grain crisis. Expansion of vineyards, olive groves, and irrigated horticulture in the Mediterranean.

2nd Phase (1902-1931)

Traditional upland crops, technological modernization, and growth in the fruit and sugar export industries. Deep division between large estates (latifundios) and smallholdings, leading to the "land problem" and social conflict.

Industrial Development

1st Phase (1874-1902)

Under Alfonso XII and Maria Cristina, industrial hubs emerged in Catalonia (textiles and wine) and the Basque Country (iron ore exports to England). Characterized by capital accumulation, sectoral imbalance, and territorial concentration.

2nd Phase (1902-1931)

Industrial boom under Alfonso XIII. Economic and social transformations, financial concentration, and regional disparity supported by protectionist policies. WWI boosted banking capital and production.

• 1915-1920: Catalan textile industry and hydroelectric companies expanded.
• 1901-1914: Basque Country became the center of heavy industry and steel production.

Regional Specialization

• Industrial-Agricultural: Basque Country and Catalonia.
• Modern Horticulture: Valencia.

Social Structure

Class-based society defined by wealth and political influence:

• Elite: Nobility, industrial/financial bourgeoisie, landlords, and wealthy "Indianos." Power, wealth, and conservatism were linked to Catholicism.
• Working Class: Increased population with deplorable living conditions and widespread discontent (1900-1930).
• Peasantry: Backward farming systems and unjust property regimes. The "Andalusian agrarian problem" was marked by low wages and rampant unemployment.