Lesson 3 - Manchester as an example of Urbanisation

Our Urbanising World

• Title: Manchester as an example of Urbanisation

• Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the location of Manchester

  • Explain why population increased

  • Create a newspaper article on Manchester’s story

• Theme: Love Geography

What is Urbanisation?

• Definition: Urbanisation refers to the increase in the number of people living in towns and cities.

• Importance of Urbanisation:

  • Affects economy, society, and environment.

Where is Manchester?

• Geographical Information:

  • Direction in the UK: Northwest

  • Nearby Cities: Liverpool to the west, Sheffield to the southeast

  • Connections: Major transport routes, such as motorways and railways, link these cities.

• Map Identifications:

  • Identify major transportation and geographical features that connect Manchester with surrounding areas.

Manchester’s History

• Historical Beginnings:

  • Established by the Romans around 79 AD, who built a fort named Mamucium near the River Medlock.

  • Settlements grew around the fort, leading to the development of Manchester as a market town.

• 14th Century Influx:

  • Flemish weavers settled in Manchester, sparking a tradition in wool and linen cloth-making.

Population Growth Due to Cotton Mills

• Population Statistics:

  • 1760: Population approximately 17,000

  • By 1853: Population grew to 30,000, leading to city status

  • Presently: Over 500,000 residents

• Impact of Industrialisation:

  • Introduction of new machines for spinning and weaving during the Industrial Revolution.

  • Importation of cotton fibres to Liverpool, enabling transport to Manchester.

  • Rural migration: Workers moving from countryside to Manchester for job opportunities in cotton mills.

Workers' Perspectives

• Life for Workers:

  • Challenges and conditions faced by workers in cotton mills

  • Encourage reflective discussion: "Think, pair, share" activity to explore workers' lives.

Manchester's Urban Spread

• Factors for Expansion:

  • Increased population density leading to the outward spread of the city.

  • Availability of larger, more comfortable homes at the city outskirts

• Consequences of Urban Spread:

  • Transformation of Manchester's landscape, development of suburbs, and changes in demographics.

Green Pen Task

• Questions for Analysis:

  • Why did Manchester spread outward?

  • What were the effects of this expansion?

  • Note: Leave space for responses and application of knowledge learned.

Newspaper Article Assignment

• Task:

  • Assume the role of a journalist visiting Manchester.

  • Create a newspaper article detailing how the cotton mills influenced the city's growth during the Industrial Revolution.

• Focus Points:

  • Significant events, population growth, workers' conditions, and industrial advancements.

Postcard Assignment

• Task:

  • Write a postcard to someone of your choice.

  • Describe Manchester’s growth in relation to the cotton mills during the Industrial Revolution.

• Considerations:

  • Keep it personal and informative, sharing unique insights from the lesson.