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Engels' Observations on Industrial Manchester

May 15, 2025

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.