How did the Spanish Civil War and World War II impact infrastructure development in Mallorca?

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and World War II (1939-1945) had significant repercussions on Mallorca's infrastructure development. During the Civil War, the island experienced social and economic disruptions, leading to halted public works and a focus on military needs rather than civilian infrastructure. The war resulted in damage to existing roads and buildings, and the prioritization of resources for military use meant that investment in civilian infrastructure was delayed.

After the Civil War, Mallorca entered a phase of isolation under Franco’s regime, which limited external investment and hindered development. However, the onset of World War II brought changes as the island became strategically important. In the early 1940s, Allied forces used Mallorca as a staging ground, prompting improvements in transportation facilities, roads, and ports to support military operations.

Post-World War II, with the easing of isolation and the onset of tourism to the island, infrastructure development accelerated significantly. The 1950s and 1960s saw significant investments in roads, airports, and utilities to support the burgeoning tourist economy, fundamentally transforming Mallorca's landscape and accessibility. This period marked the transition of the island from a primarily agricultural economy to a service-oriented one, largely driven by tourism.