Centri abitati e industrie insalubri: la trattura della seta nella Calabria dell'Ottocento

In the first half of the nineteenth century, the increase of the international demand for silk caused the growth of silk-spinning in Calabria, in particular in the Reggio area. Numerous silk mills were built in towns and villages, provoking protests from the local people, who were concerned that the steam from silk manufacturing could cause health problems. As well, they were afraid of being deprived of water, a key resource. In the end, silk-spinning caused a lot of conflicts between spinning-mill owners and local residents. These conflicts were resolved by the local authorities, who almost always supported the factory owners, either because they themselves were also involved in silk production or because silk-spinning represented a unique opportunity for the area to industrialise.