Manchester's History

“Perhaps no part of England, not even London, presents such remarkable and attractive features as Manchester, the workshop of the world” (Doc 9). This glowing report for Manchester came as the end product of much effort and pain. Though it was a great city produced by the innovative ideas of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester’s rapid growth led to severe hardships for the working class and immigrants, including over crowding, dangerous working conditions, and poor sanitation; these unwanted effects were eventually ameliorated, but only after important labor reforms were passed and Manchester was eventually granted a public charter, and thus became deserving of this praise. Much of the debate over the great city of Manchester depended on where one stood, politically and aesthetically, but the process of debate led ultimately to a healthier Manchester.

The industrial revolution pushed Manchester into full swing, with the development of new machines and the factory system. Great Britain was the first European country to experience the Industrial Revolution, and it took full advantage of its opportunity, eventually being able to develop many cities, which in turn produced a multitude of raw and refined materials, especially cotton. Manchester took the lead in cotton manufacturing when a mechanical cotton mill was built in 1780. Because of the booming textile industry in Manchester, many immigrants came to the city to work in the factories, and the population increased rapidly. But with the good came the bad, and Manchester became a disease-ridden slum full of underpaid workers cursed with disease and depravation.

Of course, much of what people thought of Manchester depended on whether they were ‘country mice’ or ‘city mice...

... middle of paper ...

...uthey’s novels, but the quality of life did improve after Manchester was granted a royal charter. William Alexander Abram wrote, “The lavish provision of public parks, baths, and free libraries promotes the health, happiness and culture of the industrial orders. Far seldomer [sic] than before do we hear the murmur of popular discontent. Sickness and mortality have been reduced to an extent that is almost incredible. (Doc 10)” The complaints of the people living in bad conditions, and the comments from foreign visitors pushed Manchester to become, not only a prosperous industrial community, but a prosperous city where one could raise a family that could thrive as well. One might consider Goldilocks’ options- she wanted a bed that was not too soft or too hard, but one that was “just right.” Manchester could never fit this demand, but it did get better than it was.