Manchester Case

DBQ, became a leading textile manufacturing center soon after its first large mechanized cotton mill was built in 1780. Population then increased rapidly from immigrants coming to work in factories for low pay. This caused many workers, luddites, to loose their jobs. As Populations expanded in the cities, massive pressure was put on the infrastructure that existed previously to service a smaller population. Housing was inadequate, supplies of food, winter fuel, the availability of water, and sanitation. Cities faced enormous problems trying to accommodate increased populations that factories needing workers and increased trade brought about. Overcrowding made for unhygienic conditions, infectious diseases spread. Increased traffic due to population surges also made for problems in traffic congestion and movement of large volumes of people along narrow streets.

Even though Manchester seemed like a wonderful place to live, there where many issues that were caused to the city. (Document 6) Edwin Chadwick, a public health reformer, wrote about the causes and effects of the issues. Chadwick writes, "The annual loss of life from filth and bad ventilation is greater than the loss from death or wounds in modern wars. The exposed population is less susceptible to moral influences, and the effects of education are more temporary than with a healthy population." This quote from Chadwick's report shows how the issues of the manufacturing companies and how they are causing pollution in the air. Also, how dangerous it is for the citizens to breath in fuels of the factories. The point of view of Edwin Chadwick as a public health reformer shows his concern for the health of the people and the city. (Document 11) The Graphic, A weekly magazine dealing with social issues show a picture of Blackfriars Bridge over the River Irwell engraved by Charles Roberts. This shows the issues of the city. This picture illustrates the pollution going into the atmosphere and sewage contaminating the waters. Charles Robert's point of view shows the real events of how the manufacture industries affected the environment of that time in Manchester.

There were many people who where for the industrial revolution. (Document 10) William Alexander Abram, a journalist and historian wrote an article on why shifting from making things by hand to using machines improved society. "A new cotton mill of the first class is a model of spaciousness and convenience. The lavish provision of public parks, baths, and free libraries promotes health, happiness and culture of the industrial orders." This quote from Abram's article shows how he believes that the factories helped improve life for everyone. Since William Alexander Abram was a journalist and historian, he focus on the positives on the industrial revolution because he is it was easier for him to publish his articles by machines. (Document 9) is written by Wheelan and Co., preface to a business