Internet History Sourcebooks: Modern History

Friedrich Engels: Industrial Manchester, 1844

Overview

• Manchester's Rise: Manchester rapidly grew as the leading center for cotton manufacturing in England due to:
  • Its damp climate suitable for cotton production.
  • Proximity to Liverpool and its port, as well as early rail connections.
  • Nearby power sources: water from the Pennines and coal mines of central Lancashire.
• Significance: Manchester became one of the first modern industrial cities.

Friedrich Engels and His Observations

• Background: Engels was familiar with Manchester through his work in his father’s factory.
• Social Conscience: His observations were documented in "The Condition of the Working-Class in England in 1844."

Description of Manchester

• Geography: Manchester is on the left bank of the Irwell, with several districts like Salford, Pendleton, Broughton, and Hulme.
• Housing and Urban Layout:
  • Sharp separation between working-class and middle-class areas.
  • Mills situated along rivers and canals.
  • Old Town characterized by narrow, winding streets, and poor living conditions.

Living Conditions

• Irk River Area:

  • Houses built disorderly, with courts and lanes accessed through narrow passages.
  • Filthy, unsanitary conditions with unqualifiedly horrible dwellings.
  • Infrastructure inadequate and overfilled with debris and waste.

• Pollution and Sanitation:

  • Irk River described as a foul, polluted stream, accumulating refuse and debris.
  • Nearby industries (tanneries, mills) add to environmental degradation.

Social and Health Impacts

• Overcrowding:

  • Dwellings are small, overcrowded, often in ruins.
  • Lack of basic sanitation leading to health risks like cholera.

• Public Health:

  • Cholera outbreak led to some areas being evacuated and disinfected.
  • Courts and lanes often filled with animal refuse and waste, maintaining poor air quality.

Conclusion

• Engels’ Critique:
  • Engels highlights the stark contrast between industrial progress and poor living conditions.
  • Emphasizes the need for recognizing the industrial era's impact on urban living.

Source Information

• From Friedrich Engels, "The Condition of the Working-Class in England in 1844."
• Part of the Internet Modern History Sourcebook, for educational purposes.

Additional Notes

• Fordham University: Hosts the Internet History Sourcebooks Project, providing valuable historical content.
• Creator: Paul Halsall, with ongoing updates to the project.