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Women working in the paper mill. Source: Hernandorena Kultur Elkartea.

Industry has a long history in the Basque Country and during those years, it has gone through many ups and downs. Each region has its own history and stories, but in this article focuses on the paper industry, which was particularly important in the region of Tolosaldea (Gipuzkoa). The paper industry began with the opening of Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza in Tolosa in 1842, followed by many other factories in the region, especially in the Oria basin.

The construction and maintenance of the paper mills required a lot of manpower since most of the work was not mechanised. Locals began to work in the paper mills, which had a direct impact on the life in small villages that had previous been devoted to agriculture. This new situation had a direct impact on the small villages, which had previously been dominated by village life. Although this affected the whole population, this article focuses on the young girls of the time. This is because many girls worked in the paper mills from the time they left school at the age of 14 until they married.

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