Geography of Industry

Introduction to Geography of Industry

  • Central questions posed by geographers:
    • Where? (Location of industries)
    • Why? (Reasons for those locations)

Key Issues in Industrial Geography

  • Distribution of Industry:
    • Understanding where and why industry is distributed in certain areas is essential for industrial geography.
    • Focus on the concepts of site and situation.

Definitions

  • Site:
    • Specific physical characteristics of a location where an industry is set.
    • Factors include
    • Proximity to water sources
    • Availability of labor support
  • Situation:
    • Refers to external factors surrounding the industry.
    • Key concern is transportation as it significantly affects costs associated with raw materials and finished goods.

Major Industrial Regions

  • The current distribution of industries predominantly in three regions:
    1. The United Kingdom and Europe:
    • Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
    1. North America:
    • Significant historical presence of manufacturing.
    1. East Asia:
    • Emerging center of industrial development, highlighted by Hans Roslin.

Historical Context

  • Industrial Revolution Origins:
    • Began in the UK, particularly in London, in the late 18th to early 19th centuries.
    • Spread to North America and eventually East Asia.
  • Cottage Industry:
    • Prior to the Industrial Revolution, production was characterized by small-scale household manufacturing.
    • Inefficient but allowed for high-quality handmade products.

Factors of Site and Situation in Industry

Site Factors

  1. Land:
    • Quality of land for setting up industries.
  2. Labor:
    • Availability of a labor force.
    • Example: London had a large population willing to work in factories during the Industrial Revolution.
  3. Capital:
    • Financial resources and infrastructure, including banks and investment potentials.
    • Example: London had ample capital resources.

Situation Factors

  • Transportation:
    • Proximity to transportation networks including waterways, railroads, roads, bridges, and airports.
    • Key Cost Driver: Transportation costs significantly impact the feasibility of industry setup.
  • Discussion of Water:
    • Critical for steam power and hydraulic systems.
    • England benefits from a network of navigable rivers and canals aiding in transport.

Industrial Revolution Timeline

  • Time Frame: 1780s to early 1800s.
    • Transition from cottage industry to large-scale factory production.
  • Spread of industrial practices from England to Europe and North America.
  • Both environmental and social impacts discussed: rise of pollution as factories proliferated.

Industrial Worker Conditions

  • Working Hours and Conditions:
    • Average workweek: six days, 10-12 hours per day.
    • Conditions often perilous, with workers facing high risks and no health benefits.
  • Child and Women Labor:
    • Young children (ages 11-12) often employed due to their dexterity; women made up a significant portion of the workforce.

Transportation and Infrastructure

  • The importance of infrastructure:
    • Includes railroads, roads, bridges, and canals enhancing transportation and facilitating industrial growth.
  • Locks in Canals:
    • Locks are used to navigate elevation changes in waterways for efficient transport.

Economic Models of Development

  1. Self-Sufficiency
    • Countries attempt to develop their own resources without foreign influence.
    • Example of tariffs as a protective measure against foreign competition.
  2. Globalization
    • Countries willingly engage in international trade to enhance economic growth.
    • Seen as a quicker path to development despite potential loss of sovereignty.

Challenges Faced by LDCs (Less Developed Countries)

  • Major issues include:
    1. Adopting Policies: Determining which economic policies to implement.
    2. Financing Development: Securing funding to initiate and sustain growth.
  • Discussion about the impact and dependency on MDCs (More Developed Countries).

Financing Development Strategies

  • Direct Investment:
    • Wealthy individuals or corporations invest in LDCs with expectations of high returns.
  • Loans from Institutions:
    • Entities like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank provide loans, often with conditions that may limit sovereignty.

Conclusion

  • Discussion of the balance between adopting protective measures versus engaging in global trade.
  • Reflection on how development choices affect industrial strategy, worker conditions, and economic stability.
  • Importance of understanding historical development patterns to inform current and future geographical and industrial policies.