The Awakening of Modernity

This area presents us with the great transformations that took place during the 19th and 20th centuries in Basque society, a time that brought together the key aspects of understanding how today's society is made up.

During this period, we see the transition from a rural way of life to an industrialised model. We get a closer look at the type of social, family and work organisation, the economic activities, everyday life, ideologies and claims.

Tradition lives on

At the end of the 19th century, with the transport and industrial revolution, the homestead lost its economic importance and its social and cultural reference points changed.

Industry, driving change

Population increased, attracted by the industrial sector, town expansion, consumer goods, social mobility, the appearance of the middle classes and culture of the masses and the progressive incorporation of women into the public sphere.

Living in society

In the last third of the 19th century, Basque society was modernised and important social, cultural and political changes took place. By means of an industrialisation model, part of which still survives today, the population increased, attracted by the industrial sector, town expansion, consumer goods, social mobility, the appearance of the middle classes and culture of the masses and the progressive incorporation of women into the public sphere.