In 1840, Catalonia began its irreversible transformation into a fully industrialised modern society. The process was slow but uninterrupted and gradually the country came to experience not only the advantages but also the problems and conflicts involved in modern capitalist society. The emergence of a new bourgeoisie and the expansion of the new industries took place alongside the formation and expansion of an ever-growing new industrial working class. By the end of the nineteenth century, almost 30% of the active workforce was involved in the secondary sector. Internal migration from the countryside to the industrial cities continued. This move from the country to the city resulted in problems adapting to the new situation and stimulated changes in attitudes. Enormous numbers of women became involved in industrial production, with consequent change in the social and family structures.
