How did Manchester improve in the 19th and 20th centuries? - Teacher notes

In the transformative periods of the 19th and 20th centuries, Manchester underwent significant improvements and developments that contributed to its growth as one of the leading cities in the UK. During the 19th century, the city saw the establishment of Peel Park, which was one of the many enhancements to public amenities. The introduction of horse-drawn buses marked the beginnings of structured public transport, facilitating easier movement for its citizens. A pivotal development was the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, which played a crucial role in boosting Manchester's economy and trade, fostering a longstanding rivalry with Liverpool that persists to this day, most notably through the football rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool FC.

Moving into the 20th century, Manchester continued to evolve with the development of the Trafford Centre standing out as a significant landmark. The Trafford Centre not only became a hub for shopping and leisure but also symbolised the modernisation and expansion of the city's commercial capabilities. Alongside this, numerous other developments took place which will be explored and mapped out by pupils. They will create an A3 map to illustrate the city's development over these two centuries, highlighting the key changes and improvements that shaped Manchester into the vibrant and influential city it is today.