The Industrial Revolution began in Catalonia in the 1830s. It was a difficult undertaking because manufacturers soon faced two problems. Firstly, Catalonia had very limited resources of its own, meaning that it was forced to import coal from Britain. Secondly, they had difficulties because of the weakness of the Spanish market, where they were endeavouring to sell their goods. Industry also found it hard to get established because of governments' free trade policies. Small and medium-sized businesses run by the same family became the norm. The bourgeoisie that emerged from this industry set their own moral code and standards of behaviour, and constructed the Liceu opera house, casinos, athenaeums and other places where they could spend their leisure time. The work ethic, nevertheless, was on the rise, affecting both industrialists and their workers.