Spanish Social Structure and Urbanization (19th Century)
Classified in Geography
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19th Century Spanish Society: Wealth and Stratification
The stratified society of 19th-century Spain was increasingly defined by wealth, marking the elimination of traditional legal privileges.
Social Classes in 19th-Century Spain
The Upper Class (C. Alta)
This class, though losing traditional territorial privileges, significantly increased its economic power, largely due to the confiscation of land. They were the primary political actors, often having restricted voting rights. The high industrial bourgeoisie was very small and concentrated (e.g., in PV, MAD, and CAT). This group included those interested in buying land and businesses to become ennobled.
The Middle Class (C. Media)
A growing group concentrated in Spanish cities, composed of professionals such as doctors, civil servants, and teachers. However, this group remained very specific and geographically limited.
The Lower Class (C. Baja)
Comprised mainly of poor, illiterate peasants and numerous day laborers. Artisans and industrial workers were also present, though initially low in numerical importance within the industrial sector.
The 19th century brought severe issues for day laborers, who were often out of work for several months a year. Industrial workers faced miserable wages, lack of insurance, long hours, and the exploitation of women and children.
Emergence of Social Conflict and Labor Movements
New social problems arose in the early 20th century, alongside persistent rural issues (lack of food, land, and labor). These included:
- Luddism: Notable outbreaks occurred in Alcoy (1920s) and Barcelona (1930s).
- Workers' Associations: Parallel to these conflicts, the first workers' associations formed, demanding better wages and conditions. These movements preceded the major revolutionary unions, such as the UGT (Socialist Union) and the CNT (Anarchist Union).
Urban Transformation and City Expansions
Growing cities, fueled by the rural exodus, utilized land confiscation to implement internal reforms, including the construction of public buildings, streets, and squares.
Major City Growth and Demolition of Walls
- Madrid: Reached 270,000 inhabitants.
- Barcelona: Reached 230,000 inhabitants.
It became necessary to demolish the old city walls to integrate the areas outside the perimeter. Valencia, exceeding 65,000 inhabitants by the end of the 19th century, pulled down its walls in the 1880s to facilitate the creation of city expansions (ensanches).
Urban Infrastructure and Housing
New infrastructure included street lighting, paving, and the creation of cleaning brigades.
The bourgeoisie residing in the ensanches occupied large houses, typically dividing the space into areas dedicated to social relationships, private family life, and domestic service quarters.
Workers' housing was installed near manufacturing areas. These areas often had poor lighting and lacked adequate sidewalks. Many times, these structures quickly became tenements (casas de vecindad) characterized by shared rooms and bathrooms, poor quality construction, low light, and general slum conditions.
Leisure and Social Life
The bourgeoisie enjoyed entertainment such as the theater, political gatherings, or bullfights, often socializing in cafes.
The lower classes typically found entertainment in public squares and taverns.