On the right track? Railways and population dynamics in Spain, 1860–1930

Abstract

This article explores how 19th century railways shaped population dynamics in Spain. Results showed that the municipalities closest to stations experienced significantly greater population growth. However, this effect was heterogeneous over time and depended on the territorial specificities and municipal features of the areas traversed. It was greatest in densely populated and industrializing areas, and in the valleys and the coast, although it also remained relevant in less dynamic contexts. These findings suggest that railways likely stimulated factor mobility and economies of agglomeration. However, this technology also reinforced existing hierarchies thus exacerbating an unequal distribution of the population in space.