Great Cities Past and Present: Manchester, Essay Example

What were the factors that helped Manchester take off industrially? In the 1700’s Manchester started growing economically due to their wool production and weaving techniques. When the industrial revolution hit, their climate made it perfect for water- powered mills, industrializing their spinning and cloth production. Then they discovered a bunch of coal to help power cotton mills.
What were conditions like in the city during the early industrial revolution? People looking for new jobs and opportunities flooded the cities. The first canals were built for transportation, and phone systems started coming into play. The city was enveloped in the black smoke of the factories and there was never any quiet. Absolutely appalling sanitation conditions.
What steps were taken to improve conditions? As wealth from new industry flooded into the city, many new institutions were established for science, education, zoos, and gardens. Manchester even became incorporated as a borough in time.

What is the connection between Communism and Manchester? What is the connection between social Darwinism and Manchester? Manchester was used as an almost science experiment from which Engels worked with Marx to build the foundational ideas of communism. As for Darwin, it really was survival of the fittest in Manchester; the weak would never flourish in that environment.
What happened to industry in Manchester in the twentieth century? Manchester experienced a decline in industry but a surge of new movements of the political, social, and industrial persuasion. Music really started to take off in Manchester.
What was the aim of the social democratic state in providing public housing and other social programs in Manchester? To increase the quality of living and alleviate some of the horrible conditions most factory workers found themselves. This was a long and painful journey, however, has demonstrated in the Peterloo Massacre.
What has been the strategy since the 1980s for reinvigorating Manchester? Changing up the economics; along with a increase in general wealth in the UK, the music industry really started to thrive in Manchester changing the face of the city with the new institutions inherent therein.

Manchester Reading Questions

Engels questions:
What were the conditions Engels discovered in Manchester? A ‘graduated’ scale of conditions but for the most part, inadequate food quality and quantity, scanty clothing, never enough of anything, some people even dying homeless.
How did the wealthy try to insulate themselves from the conditions of the industrial city? They separated themselves with rows of shops and fancier dwellings, hiding the poor working man from view: out of sight, out of mind. These were always kept clean and neat so as to hold up to appearances.
How could his observations lead to communist politics? With the hard working people suffering and the wealthy typically playing a minimal hand in actually earning; or so the theory would go.

Questions for “Compost City” article:
How was Hulme redeveloped after World War 2? The area was completely demolished, moving the population so that grass, roads, sidewalks, and newer housing could be laid out. Youth flooded into the new apartment buildings and flats, bringing fresh life back into a once dying area.
What were the problems in the new public housing? As they were build up in a rush, many short cuts were taken and several untested techniques were employed. Heating was a problem as the buildings were not well insulated. Structures would sway with the wind and wall panels incorrectly attached. Additionally, no one knew anyone. There was no sense of community. As such, thieves took advantage.
How did young people and cultural activity transform the area? How did they help create a post-industrial Manchester? The ‘fringes of society’ met with ‘culturally active’ young people moving in at the same time. This led to new ideas, music, clubs, and social circles to spring forth, creating a fresh wave of demand for Manchester’s industries to fill.

Manchester Ship Canal Questions

What was the function of the Manchester ship Canal? What was its connection to the industrial revolution in Manchester? To aid in imports and exports up and down river and to increase the customer base of the various industries in Manchester. The canal also acted as another means of transportation, not only for people, but for the fuel that the industries were using. It was a cheap way to get a lot of things in and out efficiently.
When was the port most busy? How did it adapt to changing times? The ‘hay day’ for the port was in the 1950’s and 1960’s. As some of the bigger liners used some of the bigger ports, Manchester actually developed it’s own liners to take passenger’s a freight to wherever they were headed. This ensured that the port stayed in business and remained profitable. They also developed the first British container service.
What was life like for those who worked on the canal? Long hours, busy days coordinating boats and shipments.