Temes 2 i 3 V3 Restauració Borbònica i Catalanisme polític

Introduction to the Session Overview of Topics

Context and Focus

• This session is part of recorded lectures on topics two and three, focusing on Orgonic Restoration and Catalan Political Dynamics in the context of Machirat's curriculum.

Economic Prosperity Period Analysis of 1875-1880

Demographic Characteristics

• The discussion transitions to point U3, highlighting a period marked by economic prosperity. It will cover demographics, economy, and society from 1875 to 1880.

Spanish Demography Insights

• Spanish demography during this period shows three fundamental characteristics:

• Population Growth: Slow growth rate compared to Europe; Spain's growth rate was only 0.43% versus Europe's average of 0.80%.

• High Mortality Rates: Despite declining birth rates, mortality remained high due to factors like wars (Cuban War and Carlist Wars), diseases (cholera epidemic in 1885), and famines (subsistence crises between 1881-1882).

Migration Patterns

• Significant internal migration occurred:

• Rural-to-urban migration as people moved from rural areas to cities.

• Movement from central regions (Castilla, Extremadura) towards peripheral areas like Catalonia and the Basque Country for job opportunities in emerging industries.

Catalan Demography Comparison

• Catalonia experienced different demographic trends:

• Low vegetative growth with decreasing birth and death rates.

• Population increase primarily concentrated in urban centers like Barcelona, driven by industrial sector employment opportunities.

Economic Developments Overview of Economic Sectors

Economic Landscape

• The era is characterized by economic prosperity paralleling the second phase of the Industrial Revolution in Europe.

Key Indicators of Progress

• Expansion of railway networks.

• Increase in agricultural income through innovations.

• Continued industrialization particularly noted in Catalonia and the Basque Country.

Agricultural Sector Changes

• Introduction of new crops such as sugar beets for sugar production while maintaining olive cultivation.

Economic Challenges and Industrial Recovery in Catalonia

Impact of Phylloxera on Wine Production

• The phylloxera plague devastated vineyards in Catalonia, particularly affecting over 400,000 hectares between Palnaort and Pinedes from 1879 to 1887. This led to widespread poverty among rural populations reliant on viticulture.

• The only sector that thrived during this period was the licorice industry in Valencia, highlighting regional disparities in economic resilience.

Recovery of French Vineyards and Its Effects

• By 1891, the introduction of Californian vine grafting resistant to pests marked a turning point for vineyard recovery in Catalonia, leading to a reorganization of the wine sector.

• This recovery facilitated renewed export opportunities for Catalan wines as France's own vineyards struggled with phylloxera.

Characteristics of Secondary Industry Development

• The industrial landscape saw significant concentration in two main regions: the Basque Country and Catalonia, with distinct characteristics defining their growth trajectories.

• In the Basque Country, metallurgy emerged as a dominant industry due to its historical significance compared to other metallurgical industries across Spain.

Emergence of Major Industrial Enterprises

• Notable companies like Altos Hornos de Bilbao were established during the late 19th century (e.g., founded in 1882), eventually merging into larger entities such as Altos Hornos de Biscalla by 1902. This consolidation reflects industrial maturation within the region.

Challenges Faced by Catalan Textile Industry

• The textile industry faced critical challenges including limited energy resources and market access which hindered its competitiveness against European counterparts. Specifically, reliance on low-quality coal from local sources exacerbated operational difficulties.

• To mitigate energy shortages, many factories were strategically located near rivers to harness hydraulic power for production processes during the late 19th century. This adaptation illustrates innovative responses to resource constraints.

Strategies for Market Survival