In the news1853–1882
1853: Mass emigration to Latin America starts
From 1853 to 1882, 325,000 Galicians emigrated, marking a period of intense, large-scale migration to Latin American countries like Cuba and Brazil.
Madrid, 20 Dec 1851 – Paris, 22 Apr 1931
9 facts3 sources
20 Dec 1851
Born in Madrid
22 Apr 1931
Dies in Paris, aged 79
She lived through 9 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Madrid.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1853–1882
From 1853 to 1882, 325,000 Galicians emigrated, marking a period of intense, large-scale migration to Latin American countries like Cuba and Brazil.
What people wore
Limited wardrobes for humble women
A typical humble woman in mid-19th century Spain often possessed only two outfits: one for daily work and one reserved for Sundays and feast days.
Getting around
Stagecoach travel revolutionizes Spanish transit
Organized stagecoach travel between major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia began in 1816, significantly reducing travel times by the 1850s. For example, a journey from Madrid to Barcelona that took about 13 days in the 1820s was reduced to 3 to 4 days by the 1850s.
In Europe · 1859–1871Italy is unified. Garibaldi, Cavour and Victor Emmanuel joined the Italian states into one kingdom, with Rome its capital from 1871.
In the news1855
The 1855 General Railway Act spurred massive construction, with 460 km built annually from 1856 to 1866, connecting the country.
Music
Popular festive dances and music
Popular dances like the fandango, jota, and polkas were enjoyed at festivals and public gatherings, often accompanied by instruments like the guitar or local brass bands.
Daily life
Buying fish for 2 reales
In Santoña, residents could buy fresh fish directly from fishing nets pulled to the shore for as little as 2 reales, although the catch size varied significantly.