Although, there was a major push in Great Britain to industrialize at a quick pace, Manchester faced social, economic, and ideological struggles of industrialization initiating a diverse range of reactions.
The social problems Manchester faced as a result of their push to industrialize became more evident and open to criticism as the terrible conditions the people were living in came to light. Many people suffered unlivable conditions during the industrialization phase of Manchester; consequently causing many negative reactions. Robert Southey, an English Romantic poet, described the streets as destitute and void of their former life and happiness (doc. 2). He also explored the transition from a pre industrialized Manchester to 1807 Manchester …show more content…
Some reacted positively to this change. Among them was Thomas B. Macaulay, liberal Member of Parliament and historian, in his essay “Southey’s Colloquies”. With the industrialization of Manchester came the “increase in national wealth” (doc. 3) that definetly improved the living standards of the people of Manchester. Moreover, Wheelan and Co., preface to a business directory, explains that the higher living standards for the population are due to “commerce and manufacture” (doc. 9). The document; however, contains a bias as the charter benefits their company, so they are not completely uninfluenced. There are also some that took a neutral stand on the subject of the economy based on industrialization. For example, Thomas Wakley of The Lancet takes a purely factual point of view with his calculations of the average age of death. This helps us see that Manchester’s industrialization severely lowered the average age of death (doc. 8). Another person that helps us see the neutral side of Manchester’s industrialization is W.H. Thomson in partnership with Ashley Baynton-Williams. The 1750 map of Manchester helps to show how the industrialization increased the economy so much so that it could expand to over double its size and to the point where railroads and canals were necessary (doc. 1). Still, some responded negatively to the industrialization of Manchester. One of those people was Edwin Chadwick, a public health reformer. Chadwick implies that the economic growth has stagnated before it could reach a point where it could be helpful for the population when he describes “diseases caused or aggravated by atmospheric impurities” (doc. 6). Another, Flora Tristan, a socialist and women’s rights advocate, does not see the economic benefits of industrialization. She goes on to say that the “workers lack clothing, bed, furniture, fuel,