Demographic and employment structure of the spanish community in valparaiso. 1880-1930

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to understand the main demographical and occupational characteristics of the Spanish community in Valparaiso during the 1880-1930 period, when the foundations of this community were established. Their initial activities concentrated on commerce, mainly as independent smalls entrepreneurs. Due to the fact that in the emerging Spanish community men largely outnumbered women, there were many intercultural marriages with local Chilean brides. On the whole, the Spanish community in Valparaiso built trade, family and social networks which encouraged migratory waves and enhanced their development as a group within the city.