Dbq_on_Manchester

Although the staggering population growth of Manchester in the 1800s delighted many people-for they thought this had led to advances in manufacturing and other industries-the increase caused myriad issues such as lethal diseases in addition to poor living and working conditions which outraged many more in the working class. The growth in population-which brought advances in manufacturing- arose several positive reactions throughout England. According to Document 3, the manufacturing system increased the national wealth and thus people were better fed, clothed, and even lived longer (Doc.3). Document 3 however, is biased because it was written by Thomas B, Macaulay, and as a member of the high class in England, the growth in population gave him profit (POV 1). The idea in Doc.3 is reinforced as Document 10 mentions that the increased salaries and “improved working conditions” were all due to the manufacturing industry (Doc.10). Document 10, nevertheless, contains bias because as a journal article, it was written for public viewing and the author may be concerned about public opinion, thus hiding his true ideas (POV 2). Further pleased reactions were bared as Document 9 described Manchester as the “Workshop of the World” with an energetic and spirited population (Doc. 9). This document, thought, is biased because being a business directory; it -by nature- only focuses on, and even exaggerates the prosperity of, businesses and the economic aspect of situations (POV 3). While myriad thought the growth was a virtuous thing, many more had affronted reactions toward the condition. According to Documents 2 and 11, this inequitable growth caused overpopulation and the manufacturing system only accounted for pollution (Doc.2) (Doc 11). Document 2 is biased because it was written by a Romantic poet and they believed industrialization was dehumanizing (POV 4). Document 11 is biased because it was written for a magazine that deals with “social issues” and therefore would evidently portray the failures and corrupt facets of the circumstance that led to it being an issue (POV 5). Furthermore, negative reactions are portrayed in document 4, which states that the wealthy derived glory and gain from this growth because it brought machinery and business while the middle/ working class scowled (Doc.4). This document contains bias because its source is Frances Anne Kemble and as a mere actress, she herself belonged to the manipulated working class (POV 6). A major issue brought upon by the growth in Manchester was the fatal diseases that spread. According to Document 6 this was due to the “ atmospheric impurities produced by decomposing animals and vegetable substances.” (Doc.6). The filth and overcrowded dwellings added to this. Document 11 reinforces this idea by showing a picture of a completely polluted city(Doc.11). Furthermore, Document 1 suggests that the Canals of the city were all located in Areas of development (Doc.1). This invites the idea that the water sources may have been contaminated and thus pestilences were spread more quickly. This Document, however contains no bias since it is a mere map of the city containing no actual controversial concept( POV 7). Another great polemic issue introduced by the growth in Manchester was the poor living and working conditions of the lower class. As stated in Document 7, the homes had no furniture or food and the people lacked clothes (Doc.7). Additionally, the work hours were long and the factories were uncomfortable and hazardous. This information is further fortified by the data portrayed in Document 8 which states that the average age at death for workers in Manchester is lower than any that of any other district. This means the workers of Manchester die at a younger age (Doc. 8). At last, Document 5 quotes that “…here civilization works its miracles, and the civilized man is turned back into a savage” (Doc. 5). This means that while it is true that civilization is advancing through the manufacturing due to population growth, the individual men himself is going through such hardships and in such foul and inhumane conditions that it is truly as if he were turned back into a savage. And so, as it has been proven, the growth in Manchester brought about varied reactions that included delight because of the advance in manufacturing industry but also outrage due to the life threatening issues that were the spread of pestilence and the poor working and living conditions.