Spanish External Migration Patterns and History

External Migrations

Emigration Out of the Country

Population movements out of one's own country.

1. Transoceanic Emigration (Latin America)

Addressed in two stages due to crises:

a) The First Stage (Mid-19th Century to the First World War)

• Context: The First World War began. Latin American countries attracted immigrants.
• Attraction Factors: Population growth and exploitation of economic resources.
• Destinations: The main destinations were Argentina, Cuba, and Brazil.
• Causes: The agrarian structure of origin prompted people to seek work and obtain sufficient income.
• Profile: The profile was predominantly male, working in agriculture, with a low level of qualification.

b) Transoceanic Emigration Declined (Due to the World Wars)

• Insecurity caused by the wars and the economic crisis of 1929 affected South American countries.
• The Spanish Civil War and the post-war period made crossing difficult for the country.

c) 1945–1960: A New Wave

• Authorized free departure from Spain and a change in the U.S. attitude regarding the Franco regime.
• Regions of Origin: Galicia, Canary Islands.
• Destinations: Venezuela, Argentina, and Brazil.
• Profile: Farmers, workers, and industrial technicians.

d) Since 1960: Decline in Overseas Emigration

Competition from migration to Europe caused a decrease.

Emigration to Europe (Three Stages)

a) Early 20th Century to the Second World War

• It approached its peak.
• Farmers became seasonal workers in construction and domestic service workers, mainly from the Levant.

b) Greater Wave (1950–1970)

• In the rest of Europe: Rapid reconstruction after the Second World War offered employment.
• In Spain: Strong demographic growth, exceeding agricultural production, and an increase in unemployment.
• Destinations: All regions, especially France, Germany, and Switzerland.
• Profile: Little qualified workers who performed hard labor.

c) After 1970: Decline in Permanent Emigration to Europe

• The energy crisis caused unemployment in many European countries, and many returned.
• Currently: Emigration is temporary, involving Andalusian men and Galicians who go to France and Switzerland for agricultural, industrial, or construction work.

Consequences of External Migrations

a) Demographic Consequences

• Decrease in population figures and their distribution.

b) Economic Consequences

• Positive: Relieved unemployment.
• Negative: Many remittances were not invested in productive assets.

c) Social Consequences

• Displacement, poor living and working conditions affected the first emigrants.

External Emigration Today

Spain has ceased to be a country of mass emigration. The reasons are the formation of a labor market, the increase in the standard of living in cities, and the destination of immigrant countries—developed ones.