Economic Change

Question 1

Role of De Birmingham (1166) family in economic change in Birmingham

Answer 1

• bought Royal Charter in 1166 allowing market place to be built and trade to occur
• Impact= Econ growth
• significance - first major step in econ growth, without market wouldn’t have become hub for trade

Question 2

Role of Cadbury family in economic change in Birmingham

Answer 2

• built Bourneville factory a long with model village for all workers
• impact= economic and social growth
• significance= improved quality of life for workers and brought in workers who would further invest in local economy

Question 3

Role of Joseph Chamberland (mayor of Birmingham 1873) in economic change in Birmingham

Answer 3

• took steps to improve sanitation & public health & used public money to construct schools, parks, libraries & take control of gas, electricity, public transport and police.
• impact= social growth
• significance = improved standard of living meaning more healthy and skilled people entering workforce increasing productive output.

Question 4

Role of Austin car plant (1906) on economic change in Birmingham

Answer 4

• employed 18,000 people making 1000 cars a year as well as producing military equipment employing 25,000 by late 1960s
• impact= economic growth
• significance = brought more workers to invest in local economy & grow industry and reputation BUT declined after wars and was sold losing 6000 jobs

Question 5

Role of overseas car manufacturers (Toyota, VW, Renault) on economic change in Birmingham

Answer 5

• selling cars in Britain that were better value for money and more reliable driving demand for British made cars away declining the industry
• impact= economic decline
• significance= Birmingham reputation was highly around car manufacturing so further industry decline

Question 6

Role of OPEC on economic change in Birmingham

Answer 6

• cut off oil supply to Israel-supporting countries resulting in high oil prices
• impact= economic decline
  -significance = borough global shift impact forward - cheaper production abroad, Birmingham had been industrial but oil prices increase increased production costs causing unemployment and loss of demand.

Question 7

Role of EU in economic change in Birmingham

Answer 7

• social investment fund used to fund flagship developments such as Bull Ring.
• impact= economic growth
• significance= allowed projects to happen without costing UK government large amount and created a positive multiplier effect

Question 8

Demographic & cultural characteristics of Birmingham before change

Answer 8

White & homogenous
Close knit communities
Large populations

Question 9

Environmental factors of Birmingham before change

Answer 9

High levels of atmospheric pollution and smog
Canals and rivers experienced high levels of water pollution

Question 10

Socioeconomic characteristics of Birmingham before change

Answer 10

Economy between Industrial Revolution and 1960s focused in manufacturing
Poor quality inner city terraced housing
Clear sense of place