THE MOVE FROM THE LAND

As the nineteenth century advanced, there was an increasing movement of Minorcans away from the land, as it was no longer sufficiently productive to support a growing population. This led to further substantial emigration in the second half of the century, but in spite of this the population had risen between 1845 and 1887 to a record figure of 39,041, which represented a rise of over 8,000. This population was two and a half times the figure in Kane's census of 1723, but the island lacked a Kane to direct and advise.
The second reason for the move from the land was Minorca's own 'industrial revolution', which from small beginnings in 1860 gained momentum, and later embraced a series of industries. These ultimately did much to solve the island's agrarian problems, and are a major factor in Minorca's economy today. The first of these is the footwear industry, which owes its origin to Don Jeromino Cabrisas who had emigrated to Havana, where he built up a successful business, and then returned to Minorca. Seeing the plight of his countrymen, he chose several associates, and set up a factory in Ciudadela. The industry went on from strength to strength, exporting much of its production, and employing a large section of the population. During World War I, it received large contracts for the armies fighting in France.
 

A WIND OF CHANGE

At the beginning of the present century Minorca was a forgotten and unknown island, which nations no longer fought over. A few privileged visitors like Edward VII and the Kaiser called at Port Mahon in their yachts - at different times - to enjoy the island's peace and privacy.
Minorcans went about their daily work in a leisurely fashion, indulging in their customary afternoon siestas, and the evening tertulia (social chat) in bar or by the quayside. The warm sun brought contentment, and the shuttered windows of their houses seemed to shut out the world as well as the wind. The more successful of them built small summer chalets by the sea, where they and their families spent as much time as possible in enjoyment of the still deserted and idyllic beaches. Thus Minorcans invented the cult of the weekend by the sea, before the habit became common in Europe or America. Alternatively, if the husband was a keen fisherman he would go alone, and occupy a convenient prehistoric cave at Cales Coves or Son Bou, to which he had fitted windows and a door. 
The 'wind of change' came with the Spanish Civil War of 1936, which brought both terror and drama to Minorca. This event hurled Minorca headlong into the harsh and cruel realities of the first half of the twentieth century.
 

THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR

In the Spanish Civil War (1936 - 39) Minorcans showed their individuality as an island race, and declared for the Republicans, against the Franco (Nationalist) rebels. They maintained this position till the end of the war against all pressures.
There was immediate bloodshed in Minorca at the outbreak of war, for General Bosch who was commanding a detachment of troops on the island immediately declared for the rebels, and proclaimed a state of war. On 20 July Bosch's non-commissioned officers and men mutinied against their officers and declared for the Republicans, the civil population following suit. Later in the war, the general and his officers were shot in peninsular Spain without trial. In the disturbances, the cathedral at Ciudadela and the Sanctuary at the summit of Monte Toro were damaged. At Monte Toro the weapons used can still be seen with a plaque, inside the church.
The prehistoric caves found a new use, and became a hiding place for 'wanted men'.
Towards the end of the Civil War, Minorca was almost alone in all Spain, in holding out against General Franco, and for one last time was to shake the corridors of power. Mussolini wanted to add Minorca to his Second Roman Empire, and waited with his troops in the wings at Majorca, no doubt feeling that the island and its port would be a suitable reward for his assistance.
Franco was equally determined that it should not fall into Italian hands, and approached the British Foreign Office for assistance in securing Minorca's submission to him. With the approach of World War II and Mussolini a potential enemy, Britain was willing to help.
In due course HMS Devonshire sailed into Mahon harbour with Franco's envoy on board to negotiate its surrender. The British naval commander acted as referee and host. A farcical international incident was just avoided when the Italian air force (based in Majorca) nearly bombed the Devonshire in Port Mahon by mistake.

   NEXT: Chapter 8  - Towns & Village...60