550. Logistical support of economic specialization of Andalusia during the first third of the 20th century

Abstract

Changes in freight during the 19th century brought significant improvements in the performance of the different modes of transport. However, these changes did not solve the problem completely and it was necessary to integrate the different transport chains in one, to give continuity with the most efficient flow of goods to reduce transport costs and travel times, and increase cargo volume and value of goods in the target markets. The regional economy entered the first third of the 20th century in this process through a new stage of economic specialization based on the exploitation of its natural resources. It then develops a powerful agri-food sector and its associated industries (oil, sugar, wine, etc.), and also reached the peak in demand for mineral raw materials. Reaching that economic specialization required a profound logistics modernization, a relatively rapid modernization of trafficking networks and increased exchanges between different modes of transport.