Manchester DBQ - Google Docs

Liberty Moore
Industrialization in Manchester Practice DBQ
During the early nineteenth century, the Industrial Revolution spread throughout Europe
but more specifically touched Manchester, England. Manchester became a leading textile
manufacturing center after its first mechanized cotton mill and then became the world’s first
industrialized city. Some believed that wealth and quality of life improved over time during the
Industrial Revolution of Manchester. On the other hand, others believed that the Industrial
Revolution led to a deteriorating city.
Some of the issues raised because of the growth of a worsening quality of life within the
cities. Flora Tristan, a French socialist and women’s rights advocate addresses in her published
journal that during the time of Industrialization in Manchester, the quality of life for the workers
is BAD. The workers work too long of hours and are exposed to too many dangerous chemicals.
(Doc.4) On the other hand, journalist and historian William Alexander Abram stated in his
journal article that the quality of life for workers increased immensely. Wages and benefits are
increasing, sickness and mortality are decreasing significantly, and labor laws have been put into
place. (Doc.6)
Many people pointed out that city life in Manchester was aggravating as well. English
Romantic Poet, Robert Southey, believed that manufacturing and more people could lead to a
city that isn’t as nice. He imagined that Industrialization will one day take over the streets of
Manchester, and all of the beauty will be gone. (Doc.1) Alexis de Tocqueville has a similar
belief as Southey. She believed that manufacturing isn’t contributing positively to civilization,
especially in the growing city of Manchester. (Doc.3) In Charles Roberts engraving of bridge
over the River Irwell, he shades in the skies to a darker gray and black; making it look like more
smog in the air. His engraving indicates that the city of Manchester isn’t pretty anymore due to
manufacturing air pollution. It shows how horribly depressing and polluted city of Manchester
is. The painter could have picked the worst view possible, since he works at a weekly magazine
dealing with social issues. (Doc.7)

Liberty Moore
Industrialization in Manchester Practice DBQ
Although most of the reactions were negative, there were still some positive reactions
regarding the growth of industrialization of Manchester. Thomas B. Macaulay, a liberal Member
of Parliament and historian, responded to Robert Southey’s belief of the growth of
industrialization. Macaulay criticized him saying that he shouldn’t compare manufactures with
beauty and how peasants have lived horrible lives. He is stating that because he is a member of
parliament and only wants to increase the efforts of manufactures and agriculture to boost up the
growth of England, without caring about the effects of it. (Doc.2) Wheelan and Co., who is
promoting the growth of the industry, states that Manchester is remarkable and attractive.
Although, there may be some bias in their statement due to the fact that they are a business.
(Doc.5) Journalist and historian, William Alexander Abram, states how the conditions for factory
labourers has been vastly improved and overall everything is improved; however, he wrote his
journal article about this topic in 1868. (Doc.6)
Referring to the various reactions of the Industrial Revolution, technological
advancements, health of the citizens, and poor working conditions were major issues raised by
the growth of Manchester, and people reacted to these issues in both negative and positive ways.
The Industrial Revolution changed the environment for everyone’s life. The revolution changed
energy usage, public health, natural resources, and social improvements as we know it. Over
time, Machinery began to replace manual labor, increasing production of houses, food, clothing
and more