Spanish society in the 19th century
Economic and social transformations
Economy and industrialisation
The Industrial Revolution was late and slow and only arrived to the Basque Country, Catalonia and large cities.
Most of the population still worked in the fields with underdeveloped technology.
Railway didn´t appear until the second half of the century.
Society
The bourgeoisie became rich and they also became the dominant social class.
The Industrial Revolution brought serious social problems such us very bad working conditions and child exploitation in factory.
In rural areas, the peasants lived in extreme poverty and political demands of the working class were the reason.
Romanticism
At the beginning of the century, this style reflected the revolutionary atmosphere.
Realism
In the middle of the century, writers and painters showed the disadvantaged aspects of the industrial society.
Impressionism
At the end of the century, impressionist painters were influenced by teechnological advances.
Generation of '98
Is a group of writers and intelectuals who criticised Spanish society and called for the modernisation of the country.
Scientific advances
Several researchers achieved scientific advances. Ramón y Cajal received the first Nobel Prize for Science.