Industrialization

In 1778 trade routes were opened again to the Americas, which had previously been caught off. This with the rise of European industrialization set the stage for great change in Barcelona. The increase in industry and wealth brought about a time of both industrialization and a renaissance of the arts. Barcelona quickly grew to be one of the leading centers of both industry and culture.

Growth

It was during this time that the Population of Barcelona began to skyrocket and the new challenges were being faced in the realms of housing, pollution, and health. The city was out growing its medieval center and new expansion was planned by Ildefons Cerdà.
The political climate during the 1800’s shifted like a pendulum between great advances and relative peace to times of war and internal struggle. Barcelona changed hands from being annexed into Napoleonic France in 1806 and then returned back to Spanish hands after Napoleons defeat in 1907. Barcelona experienced a time of cultural freedom from the oppressive rule of Philip V, and Catalonian’s were again allowed to speak their language and partake in their cultural traditions.

Renaissance

During the Renaissance Barcelona became a hive of creativity. From Painters such as Pablo Picasso to the architect Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona went on to contribute some of the most renowned artists in history and was where the architectural style of Modernisme was founded. The Fever of the arts had taken hold of Barcelona and was showcased to the world during the Exposición Universal de Barcelona, in 1888.