| Type | |
| Global impact | Dominant force in the alternate universe |
| Social changes | Massive economic growth • Social changes • Technological innovations |
| Colonial empire | Extensive and managed effectively |
| Place of origin | |
| Era of industrial prowess | Early industry |
| Economic sector contributions | Mining • Manufacturing • Agriculture • Trade |
Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a Western European country located in the Iberian Peninsula and surrounded to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea. In this alternate timeline, Spain has emerged as a significant industrial power, with major contributions to mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and colonial empires.
Spain's early industrial history is characterized by its advancements in mining, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Spain's mining industries experienced substantial growth and development, with the extraction of raw materials such as metals, ores, minerals, and fossil fuels playing a crucial role in the country's economy. The demand for metals like gold, silver, copper, and iron fostered the growth of mining industries, leading to the adoption of new techniques and technologies. Mine workers with tools made from local materials resorted to primitive methods but later benefited from technological advancements that allowed them to venture deeper into the earth in order to access new quantities and species of resources.
Manufacturing in Spain was birthed by skilled artisans producing goods by hand – from textiles, pottery, and metalwork to clocks and glass. Manufacturing and craftwork flourished, accelerated by the introduction of proto-factories, which were pre-Industrial revolution workshops with centralized control. These workshops turned out large quantities of items for both local consumption and export.
Agriculture played a vital role in Spain's economy, with the alternate timeline featuring considerable agricultural expansion and profound technological changes. The widespread use of plows allowed deeper and more extensive cultivation of soil. New types of crops, such as cotton, sugar, and tobacco, further enhanced agricultural productivity. Water and energy management innovations, including windmills, water mills, and irrigation systems, also contributed to the growth of agriculture.
Trade flourished during this period, with Spain expanding its colonial empire to include territories in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Exporting finished goods produced by its industries to settler colonies and importing raw materials in return helped foster Spain's maritime and economic power.
Spain's early industrial history brought about significant economic and social changes. The increased monetary economy through coinage and specie resulted in reduced prices for goods and services due to mass production. Greater financial wealth led to investment, infrastructure development, and institutional growth, including the establishment of banks, insurers, and joint-stock companies. However, social changes also included the growth of a working class, labor disputes, and the establishment of early unions and guilds. The emergence of new social elites, such as industrialists, bankers, and financiers, also became prominent.
Spain's industrial history has had far-reaching environmental impacts on the lands, waters, and ecologies. Deforestation due to fuelwood harvesting, charcoal production, and the creation of farmlands has negatively affected local ecosystems. Soil and land degradation caused by mining activities and overexploitation have also had significant consequences. Pollution from manufacturing and industries such as the leather tanning and paper-making industries has contributed to environmental degradation.
Unlike its counterpart in our reality, Spain in this alternate timeline has been successful in maintaining and expanding its colonial empire. Through effective governance and strategic planning, Spain has secured its position as a dominant force in the alternate universe. The expansion of its colonial empire has allowed Spain to tap into the vast resources of its territories, further enhancing its industrial capacity and economic growth.
Spain's rich industrial history and successful management of its colonial empire have solidified its position as a major power in this alternate timeline. Its contributions to mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and trade have led to significant economic growth, social changes, and technological innovations. By effectively managing its colonial empire, Spain has secured its position as a dominant force in the alternate universe, unlike its counterpart in our reality, which faced significant challenges and ultimately failed to establish a lasting colonial empire.
