Spanish Industry, Class Structure, and Labor Movements (1914–1930)

Industrial Transformation and New Energy (1914–1930)

The period between 1914 and 1930 saw a significant extension of the use of electricity. This expansion facilitated widespread mechanization, which, in turn, dramatically reduced the cost of production across various sectors.

Key industrial developments included:

• The combustion engine and oil opened the way for the automobile industry, bringing about a revolution in transport.
• The increased demand for equipment led to the expansion of Metallurgy.
• The chemical industry expanded rapidly, producing fertilizers, paints, and drugs.

Most industrial activity was concentrated in specific regions: Catalonia, Madrid, and the Basque Country. This industrial growth coincided with an increased population and a rising demand for consumer goods.

The Class Structure of Spanish Society

The structure of Spanish society was defined by the Society of Classes, a system established following the Liberal Revolution. Social standing was determined primarily by wealth and ownership:

• Landed Nobility: Although they had lost their ancestral rights, they maintained an important social role.
• Upper Classes: Comprised of the owners of large industries and major landowners.
• Average Bourgeoisie: Consisted mainly of small traders and professionals.
• Urban Working Classes: Included factory workers and craftsmen.
• Peasantry (Pagesia): Suffered precarious living conditions, leading to frequent riots throughout the century. In Catalonia, living conditions were often better due to long-term lease agreements. The smallholding was the most common unit of operation.

The Rise of the Labor Movement

Workers and peasants sought expression and a means to fight harsh living conditions through unions and the social ideas of Marxism and Anarchism.

Early Protests and Organization

The first protests were Luddite in nature, exemplified by the burning of the Bonaplata factory in Barcelona in 1835. Key organizational milestones followed:

• 1840: The Association of Weavers of Barcelona was founded with objectives including reducing working hours, increasing wages, and securing the right to form workers' associations.
• 1854: The Strike of the Selfactinas in Barcelona became the first general strike in Spain.
• The ideas of Marxism and Anarchism were spread by the First International.
• 1870: The Congress of Workers' Societies of Barcelona created the Spanish Federation of the International Workers Association.

Anarchism and Syndicalism

Anarchism was particularly strong in Catalonia and Andalusia. Initially, some factions advocated for the formation of autonomous groups that challenged high society through direct action. However, the movement increasingly focused on non-violent syndicalism:

• 1907: Formation of Solidaridad Obrera (Labor and Solidarity).
• 1910: Creation of the National Confederation of Labor (CNT), which became the most important union in Spain.

Socialism and Political Participation

Socialism (Marxism) was centered primarily in Madrid, Asturias, and the Basque Country. This movement advocated for participation in elections and political reform:

• 1879: The Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE) was founded, led by Pablo Iglesias.
• 1888: The General Workers' Union (UGT), the socialist union, was created.

Despite its focus on electoral politics, the PSOE did not secure its first deputy, Pablo Iglesias, until 1910.