This documentary delves into the economic and commercial features of 18th century Cantabria. In this context, the emerging prominence of the bourgeoisie, the importance of maritime connections, the opening up of trade with the breaking of the mercantile monopoly with America and the economic growth favoured by the road transport network via the Reinosa road, will be dynamic elements of a historical period in which a whole series of themes related to the process of modernisation in the region of Cantabria at the end of the Ancien Régime are raised and suggested to the viewer. The technological evolution of agriculture, mainly with the improvement of the flour industry, is taken as a guiding thread in the narration of the episode. However, the documentary also argues how the fiscal intentions of the State and the strategic location of the seaport of Santander in the European mercantilist networks would lead to the beginning of a process of industrialisation which would take centre stage well into the 19th century. The chapter also shows in great detail how the flour mills worked and the milling process, detailing the complex machinery used to separate and produce the grain.

Collection: Aplications

Project: 11. Science and culture as representation in Europe.

Chronology: XVIII

Scope: Secondary Education, Baccalaureate, University

Link: https://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/cantabria/cantabria-ilustracion/4920142/

Resource type: Web

Format: Multimedia

Source: RTVE

Language: Spanish

Date: 1/2/2019

Owner: Daniel Maldonado Cid (Modernalia)

Copyright: © Corporación de Radio y Televisión Española

Abstract: Chapter that explores the historical past of Cantabria during the Enlightenment

Tags