The Industrial Revolution's Impact on Birmingham: A Detailed Analysis

This essay provides a detailed analysis of the Industrial Revolution's impact on Birmingham, focusing on significant events and societal changes. The study begins with an introduction to the Industrial Revolution and its context, highlighting Britain's role and the rise of manufacturing. The core of the essay examines the Soho Manufactory, Birmingham's first industrial plant, and the creation of the Grand Junction Railways, emphasizing their roles in economic growth and technological advancement. Furthermore, the essay explores the social transformations within the city, including changes in the workforce, the emergence of class distinctions, and the shifting roles of women and children. The essay also touches upon the effects of the Industrial Revolution on education. By discussing these elements, the essay offers a comprehensive view of Birmingham's evolution during this pivotal historical period, comparing the city's state at the beginning and end of the revolution.

Running head: INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
The Social and Economic Changes of Birmingham during the Industrial Revolution
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1INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Executive summary
This study is on the industrial revolution, which first took place in Britain. The study specifically
discusses the industrial revolution in Birmingham. To fulfill the purpose, the study progresses
particularly focusing on key events such as the construction of the Grand Junction Railways, The
Soho manufactory etc.

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Table of Contents
Introduction:....................................................................................................................................3
Body:................................................................................................................................................4
1. Soho plant (the first industrial plant of Birmingham).............................................................4
2. The creation of the Grand Junction Railways..........................................................................6
3. The social changes in the city such as the evolution of the workforce and the expansion of
the classes (bigger gap between classes).....................................................................................9
3.1 How women gained more freedoms and how the children of the city were treated as far
as if they went to work or not given their social class...........................................................11
3.2 How was education affected by this industrial revolution?.............................................13
Conclusion:....................................................................................................................................14
References......................................................................................................................................16

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Introduction:
The industrial revolution in simple terms is a prolonged process of transition of
manufacturing systems, facilities, and technologies. Industrial revolution is still a debatable topic
for its actual start and the end date. Historians in particular are still in debates for the same as
stated just before this line. However, it is largely considered that the period from about 1760 to
the half of the 19th century was the era of industrial revolution1. Hand production methods were
being converted over this long period of time into new iron production and chemical
manufacturing processes. It also involved the emergence and rise of the factory system, an
increasing use of steam power, and the development of machine tools. Textiles were the
dominant industry as it experienced a relatively major transition in the era of industrial
revolution. The transition in the textile industry did affect the employment, capital invested, and
the value of output. The industry was also the first to have ever used and deployed the modern
production methods. It began in Great Britain2. Notably, many technological innovations have its
root in Britain. As a result of which Britain emerged the world’s leading commercial nation by
the mid of the 18th century. It controlled the global trading empire with colonies in the Caribbean
and North America3. It also had its political influence on the Indian Subcontinent, which it did by
actively promoting the operation of East India Company4. To summarize, Industrial Revolution
was majorly a result of the rise of business and the development of trade.
1 Parker, Lee D., and Richard K. Fleischman. What is Past is Prologue: Cost Accounting in the British Industrial
Revolution, 4. Routledge, 2017.
2 Hartwell, Ronald Max. The causes of the Industrial Revolution in England 1. Routledge, 2017.
3 McFarlane, Anthony. British in the Americas 1480-1815, The 40. Routledge, 2014.
4 Rahman, Aziz, Mohsin Ali, and Saad Kahn. "The British Art of Colonialism in India: Subjugation and
Division." Peace and Conflict Studies 25, no. 1 (2018): 1.

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This study particularly discusses the industrial revolution in Birmingham. The discussion
is focused on highlighting the social and economic changes of Birmingham during the Industrial
Revolution. The city grew quickly during the industrial transformation. It has the world’s first
cotton mill being built in the 18th century5.
This study is mainly focused on addressing a few aspects of the industrial revolution in
Birmingham. It discusses the formation of Soho Plant, which is also the first industrial plant of
Birmingham. It discusses the creation of Grand Junction Railways6. It also covers social changes
such as women's employment status and the social status of children. In the conclusion section,
this study compares the scenario at the beginning of the revolution with that of the end.
Body:
1. Soho plant (the first industrial plant of Birmingham)
Birmingham is considered as the heart of the Industrial Revolution, which started in
Britain and then participated by many other countries. It was an era when a group of widely
known scientists, manufacturers, and inventors met just to exchange their ideas and knowledge
of the Industrial Revolution. These remarkable events held majorly at Soho House in
Handsworth. In 1791, Birmingham was declared the world’s first manufacturing city in the
world7. Birmingham, after it gained the status of a city in 1889, it started to be called as the “City
of A Thousand Trades”. It was because it had a large variety of companies operated and based
here. It was also named the First City of the Empire and the Workshop of The World8. It was in
the form of the Soho Manufactory, the first factory to do the mass assembly of the line was
5 Allen, George Cyril. The industrial development of Birmingham and the Black Country, XX. Routledge, 2018.
6 (Historywebsite 2018)
7 Linkedin. 2018. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140914085055-46489159-50-things-that-were-made-in-
birmingham.
8 Linkedin. 2018. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140914085055-46489159-50-things-that-were-made-in-
birmingham.

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formed and created by the renowned industrialist Matthew Boulton. The manufactory had made
a range of goods that includes, but not limited to buckles, buttons, and the first steam-powered
mint. The Soho Mint opened in the year 17889. It was used to manufacture eight steam-driven
machines, which were being designed by Boulton. These machines were able to strike not less
than 84 coins a minute10.
Mathew Boulton is often regarded and described as one of the greatest heroes of the
Industrial Revolution. Mathew Boulton is also one of the greatest entrepreneurs of Britain.
Despite these achievements, his activities and pioneering spirit have not celebrated the way it is
done for many others. Boulton began to work being a part of the metal trade in 1742, which was
his fathers’ business11. After a few years, Boulton became the sole proprietor after his fathers’
death in 175912. In 1762, Boulton started the construction works for the Soho Manufactory13.
However, the development process was not that easier as a huge amount of resources were
required to support the work on such a large platform. Boulton had needed investments to start
the work as well as engineering guidance to have a roadmap to conduct the development process.
Boulton has always been a key observer of talents, which is also evident in his collaboration with
James Watt in 177514. Notably, Matthew Boulton and James Watt are regarded as the “Archives
of Soho”. Matthew had retained this habit throughout his vision to develop the “Soho
Manufactory”. Matthew was able to identify the potentiality in John Fothergill. This is why
9 Linkedin. 2018. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140914085055-46489159-50-things-that-were-made-in-
birmingham.
10 Linkedin. 2018. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140914085055-46489159-50-things-that-were-made-in-
birmingham.
11 Procter, T. "Two men of industry, many businesses: The Soho firms of Matthew Boulton and James Watt, as
revealed by the Archives of Soho." Business Archives (2004): 13.
12 Procter, T. "Two men of industry, many businesses: The Soho firms of Matthew Boulton and James Watt, as
revealed by the Archives of Soho." Business Archives (2004): 13.
13 Procter, T. "Two men of industry, many businesses: The Soho firms of Matthew Boulton and James Watt, as
revealed by the Archives of Soho." Business Archives (2004): 14.
14 Procter, T. "Two men of industry, many businesses: The Soho firms of Matthew Boulton and James Watt, as
revealed by the Archives of Soho." Business Archives (2004): 14.

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Matthew collaborated with John to effectively conduct the development phase of the Soho15. In
this way, Matthew was able to find the answer to his needs to have someone who is better at
engineering works. They both started by leasing a site on “Handsworth Health”. It then had
consisted of a water-driven metal-rolling mill and a cottage. The factory soon became the
world’s largest factory and emerged as a point of attraction for “industrial tourism”.
2. The creation of the Grand Junction Railways
The introduction to money, measures and weights, the construction of good roads, and
transport infrastructure gave the greatest and maximum facility to local and international trades,
perhaps than anything else. These were some of the biggest key indicators to progress
improvement, which took place during the Industrial Revolution in Birmingham. “The Grand
Junction Railways” is the first of biggest developments that goes to the intelligence, spirit, and
enterprise of Birmingham. At the earlier stage, the rail line connection had existed only in
between Liverpool and Manchester. The need to have the rail lines between Manchester and
Birmingham was felt. However, it was not an easier task to commence as such projects require
adequate resources for the construction of lines and an approval from the Parliament. On the
other hand, the Parliaments’ decision had relied on various dependable variables such as the land
and canals’ proprietors. It was never certain that these proprietors would not protest the project.
Despite all these challenges few people from Birmingham decided to take up the project. And as
it happened, the project picked up in 1823 when some spirited individuals rose with plans to
connect Birmingham with Manchester16.
15 Roll, Eric. An Early Experiment in Industrial Organization: History of the Firm of Boulton and Watt 1775-1805 5.
Routledge, 2013.
16 Roscoe, Thomas. The Book of the Grand Junction Railway: Being a History and Description of the Line from
Birmingham to Liverpool and Manchester. Orr, 1839:9

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The creation of the “Grand Junction Railway” was never easier and had met across a lot
of opposition from those who did not want it to happen or they were unable to figure out the
advantage of the rail line. The first application for the project was presented to the Parliament in
1824. It was then rejected as it met with violent opposition from those who felt that it would
affect the canals17. At that point in time, the plan was to make rail lines from Liverpool to
Birmingham commencing at Birkenhead and crossing by Chester. Therefore, the project was
suspended for a while. It again kicked up when an application was presented to the Parliament
after two years in 1826. However, routes were being kept the different18. The plan became
successful; however, the construction of the Grand Junction was delayed for suppressing the
unnecessary opposition. Till this point in time, already so much had been invested in
experimenting with lines and its outcomes. There was no other option than to proceed with the
project. Hence, a calculative approach was required to outpace the opposition to this project. The
year 1830 marked the inauguration of railway operation between Liverpool and Manchester19.
However, the inauguration met with criticism for its speed and safety of riding. The fact
soon created the needs to have advanced features to be equipped in trains. As a result, extensive
scientific research was done to find the solution. After doing a lot of invention and trial
processes, the team of scientists was able to identify the solution. It also shows how the needs to
improve facilities for commercial purpose kept on boosting the industrial revolution. The team of
scientist had invented the locomotive engines, which were believed by them to be much faster
and safer than the traditional engines. However, locomotive engines could not be used in trains
17 Roscoe, Thomas. The Book of the Grand Junction Railway: Being a History and Description of the Line from
Birmingham to Liverpool and Manchester. Orr, 1839:10
18 Roscoe, Thomas. The Book of the Grand Junction Railway: Being a History and Description of the Line from
Birmingham to Liverpool and Manchester. Orr, 1839:10
19 Roscoe, Thomas. The Book of the Grand Junction Railway: Being a History and Description of the Line from
Birmingham to Liverpool and Manchester. Orr, 1839:11

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until they were being tested for their speed and safety of riding. A panel of judges was created to
observe the performance of locomotive engines against the set variables for performance. The
permission was eventually granted for operating with locomotive engines. The result set the
platform for another attempt towards creating the “Grand Junction Line”. Initially, it started to
operate as two different lines, one originating from Liverpool committee to Chorlton and the
other from Birmingham committee. In 1832, a large meeting held in Liverpool helped to arrive at
a conclusion that both lines should be united to construct the "Grand Junction Railway". The
operation was commenced at two different stations, Warrington and Newton Railway20.
Efforts were given to conciliate the several numbers of proprietors of lands and canals to
suppress any chances of further opposition to the formation of the Grand Junction. These efforts
paid off. Consequently, the Grand Junction Railway received a grand acceptance from the
Parliament and had received the “Royal Assent” on the 6th of May, 183321.
3. The social changes in the city such as the evolution of the workforce and the expansion of
the classes (bigger gap between classes)
Child labour was one of the biggest social changes to happen in the era of industrial
revolution. The industrial revolution is an era, which is also remembered as a transition from
handmade works to the pieces of machinery. The revolution was debated by historians, it still
exists. The reason to debate could be many such as uncertainties over socio-economic impacts of
the industrial revolution. Child labour was one of those22. Children were employed at mills and
the different industries. They had been taking part in home-based trades but that could not be
20 Roscoe, Thomas. The Book of the Grand Junction Railway: Being a History and Description of the Line from
Birmingham to Liverpool and Manchester. Orr, 1839:15
21 Roscoe, Thomas. The Book of the Grand Junction Railway: Being a History and Description of the Line from
Birmingham to Liverpool and Manchester. Orr, 1839:16
22 Honeyman, Katrina. Child workers in England, 1780–1820: parish apprentices and the making of the early
industrial labour force. Routledge, 2016:1

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categorized as slavery. Industrial revolution can be considered as being responsible to promote
the slavery, which received extensive criticism from historians. Hence, the industrial revolution
was protested for child slavery and as a result of which the anti-slavery movement had started
off23. After a series of debates and inquiries, an act namely 1833 Factory Act was passed24. The
Factory Act was introduced to reduce the working hours a day. Four inspectors were appointed
to check and force the implementation of legislation along with a number of industries. The aim
was to reduce the working hours to 10-hours a day. The legislation faced some challenge and
paved way for a reform in the act. As a result, the famous social reformer, Lord Shaftesbury, did
work towards making the act more effective in delivering the aims. In the Victorian period, a
modified version of this factory legislation was expanded to other industries as well. It gradually
becomes prevalent across the industries and resulted in diminishing child labour25.
Urbanisation was another major change, which caused the migration of people from rural
to the urban areas. Migration of population resulted in numerous issues like higher
unemployment, increased population in urban areas, political dilemmas, increased pollution,
social disinterest, and lot more. Migrants have suffered from unfavourable laws and policies for
residential status, job quota, salary package, and job eligibility criteria etc. These are a few basic
needs, which people would expect from the city or the country they live in. These were the
additional pressure on the city government as they had required to deal with two different
population. The laws and policies designed to improve the living means for migrants were not
implemented thoroughly. It had struggled to get the objectives of social improvement fulfilled.
23 Fraser, Derek. The evolution of the British welfare state: a history of social policy since the Industrial Revolution.
Macmillan International Higher Education, 1992:15
24 Fraser, Derek. The evolution of the British welfare state: a history of social policy since the Industrial Revolution.
Macmillan International Higher Education, 1992:26
25 Fraser, Derek. The evolution of the British welfare state: a history of social policy since the Industrial Revolution.
Macmillan International Higher Education, 1992:29

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Social disinterest was a result of ethnic diversity in the city. Notably, Birmingham is even more
diverse than any other cities in the United Kingdom. According to the 2001 census, 70.4% of the
people were white in Birmingham. According to the similar study, 19.5% were Asian, 2.5% were
mixed race, 6.1% were Black, and 0.5% were Chinese26. A workforce comprised of people from
diverse cultures is a tough task for managers and human resource professionals. It is difficult to
know the work priorities of migrants. Therefore, job design and other practices, which are
specific to human resource management, becomes challenging. In addition, there are high
possibilities for a lack of appropriate approaches from the management27.
The industrial revolution was responsible for the emergence of the labour class. There
were labours prior to the industrial revolution; however, at that point in time, they use to satisfy
their personal needs. The industrial revolution had rather made it a necessity. In the era of the
Industrial Revolution, these labours were being called and identified as industrial labours. In
such a scenario, few people had no option than to work as labours. People with less education
under the circumstances were encouraged to work as labours. On the other hand, qualified people
were being selected to serve the specialized positions such as mechanical engineers to look after
to mechanics work. It created wealth inequality and widened up the gap between the rich and
poorer28.
According to a few historians, the industrial revolution was there for a Britain economic
dominance on the Asian continent. The industrialization of Birmingham and Britain caused a
product surplus. England had no other option than to sell those to the Asian market. It resulted in
26 Worldpopulationreview. 2018. Worldpopulationreview.Com.
http://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/birmingham-population/.
27 Mousa, Mohamed, and Ruth Alas. "Cultural diversity and organizational commitment: A study on teachers of
primary public schools in Menoufia (Egypt)." International Business Research 9, no. 7 (2016): 161.
28 Tuomi, Ilkka, and Riel Miller. "Learning and education after the industrial age." Oy Meaning Processing (2011):5

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colonialism of Asian countries such as India29. This is why so many historians the industrial
revolution was just a mere approach to create an economic dominance on the Asian continent30.
3.1 How women gained more freedoms and how the children of the city were treated as far
as if they went to work or not given their social class.
The notion that women gained freedom during the industrial revolution is theoretically
correct but, not practically. In every industry prior to the industrial revolution, women had a
major involvement in works but, not in the form as it happened during the revolution. They used
to work from homes. Before the industrial revolution, handicraft and domestic systems were
quite prevalent. These were the mediums through which women worked from homes and
contributed to the economy. The industrial revolution changed the landscape for women as
works were separated between home and workshop. Initially, women had not required to rely on
workshops, which later on became a necessity. Women during the industrial revolution were
compelled to follow their work by working in workshops. They became the wage earners. With
their entrance to workshops, they emerged as favourites to a few industries like food and
clothing. Nobody can have a better sense of clothes and foods as compared to women.
Initially, during the industrial revolution women had worked as assistants to their
husbands and fathers. The income they generated was just to support the male dominion at
homes. They were represented as being dependent on their male partners and hence, had no
separate identity than just to fulfill the expectations of their fathers and husbands. It is of little or
fewer doubts that there existed inequality between the earning members in families during the
29 Sen, Anupam. The State, Industrialization and Class Formations in India: A Neo-Marxist Perspective on
Colonialism, Underdevelopment and Development. Routledge, 2017:5
30 Lloyd-Jones, Roger, and Merv Lewis. British industrial capitalism since the industrial revolution. Routledge,
2014:14