The size and extent of the industry of Great Britain prior to World War 2 provides an interesting insight into the industrial scale of the nation before the war. Britain was the birthplace of industrialization, with its manufacturing output estimated to have exceeded that of all other countries since the 18th century. By the time of World War 2, British factories could be found throughout the country producing a variety of products. It is no wonder then that the war economy of Great Britain was heavily reliant on these factories for the production of essential items from the very start.
Whilst there are no exact records of the number of factories in Britain before World War 2, estimates suggest that there were about 200,000 factories across the country. This significant number constituted various industry sectors; from large-scale engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and textiles to smaller-scale operations such as coal mines and brick-making works. The vast manufacturing sector was among the largest employers in the country, providing jobs to a vast number of people.
Britain at this stage was still a huge importer of raw materials which had to be accurately managed and distributed to the right destination as well as ensuring the balance with the export of the finished product. This task was efficiently managed by the factories which were key in the whole production process. The number of factories expanded post-war due to greater demand for goods as the country began to rebuild. The government of the day worked economically to ensure the production of essential materials kept up production.
The sheer number of factories shows the strength of Britain before World War 2 and the commitment of the government and the nation’s people to keep productivity at a high level. Experts have expressed their admiration for the level of industrialisation that was involved – one of the most notable being Brunel’s construction of the steamship SS Great Eastern in 1858. This project, undertaken on the instructions from Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the renowned engineer, symbolized one of the most advanced feats of technology of the day.
Today, Britain is known as a world leader in innovative technology, but it is important to recognize the industrial base which enabled Great Britain to become an industrial superpower. The huge production factories that were functioning before World War 2 played a major role in achieving this status. This growth could also be attributed to the nation’s patents system, which encouraged a cautious approach to innovation and ensured that any new inventions were protected and used to benefit the nation.
Effects of WW2 on factories
The Second World War had a major impact on the industrial sector in the United Kingdom, with existing factories being exchanged for military production and many workers being called up for war service. Despite the disruption, factories were seen as a vital part of the war effort and many tried to return to their normal operations as soon as possible. This meant that there was an overall increased production to meet the demands of the war.
The factories not only played a vital role in the war effort but were often the target of air raids. During the period of the Blitz, many factories suffered severe damage which propelled the authorities to take action and quickly redistribute resources for the repair and protection of essential factories. The requirement to rebuild these factories was so immense that extra construction workers were sent in to ensure that the disruption was minimized.
The war also resulted in factories being subject to rationing and a reduction of production and manpower in order to allow the maximum use of resources for the war effort. This understandably caused a huge decrease in the number of factories producing goods, as many of them fell out of use or were temporarily closed.
Effects on economy
The manufacturing industry in Great Britain during World War 2 was instrumental in driving the country towards a more industrialized economy – an approach which would be reinforced through the post-war boom. After the war, factories re-opened and the mass production of various goods began to take place, which resulted in a boost in the economy.
The manufacturing sector experienced an influx of new entrants offering various services and goods. This gave rise to a much-needed diversity and competition in the industry, and crucially allowed the nation to start its journey towards economic recovery. It can be argued that without the factories prior to World War 2, rebuilding the nation’s economy would not have been possible.
Nevertheless, the manufacturing industry was still heavily reliant on manual labor which was in abundance at the time. As recently as the 1950s, up to 8 million people were employed in factories across the country. With the move to a more industrialized economy, technological advancements meant that the need for traditional labor greatly reduced. This resulted in an industrial decline and laid-off workers which had a huge impact on the economy.
Role in industrial revolution
The industrial revolution was closely linked to the manufacturing industry in Great Britain prior to World War 2. The factories of the day played a key role in the industrialization of the country, as they provided large-scale production which made the processes much more efficient. This enabled the shift from traditional industry into a more advanced economy.
The factories of before World War 2 marked the beginning of a new era; one in which the machines and new technologies carried the world to better standards of life and increased productivity. This ushered in a period of economic growth and development, which saw Britain become a leading industrial nation. Consequently, the industrial sector and its factories remained the backbone of the economy until the modern era in which more advanced production techniques were adopted.
Most experts agree that the manufacturing sector in Great Britain prior to World War 2 helped to set a strong foundation for the nation’s growth and success in the war and post-war period. This is evident in the number and quality of factories that were operating at the time, which obviously had a strong influence on the economy and nation-building.
Perspectives from experts
Experts across various fields have shared their perspective on the role of factories in pre-war and post-war Britain from different angles. Entrepreneur Estelle Smith says, ‘The factories of the era provided not only a critical business backbone, but also gave many people their first start in a professional career’. Historian Tom Jones further adds, ‘The factories during this period provided a crucial source of employment – they allowed for the production of a more advanced economy and allowed the country to prosper’.
Economist Robert Johnson shares his views on the importance of the factor in the war effort. He states, ‘The factories of Britain had a major role to play in the war; without them, the production of essential materials would have been impossible. As such, they were crucial in keeping the war effort going’.
The above opinions from experts further stresses the importance of the manufacturing sector in the evolution of Great Britain in the pre- and post-war period. The factories of the era enabled the country to become an industrial superpower and allowed for the success of the economy during the war and after.
Competition and diversification
In the post-war period, the manufacturing industry experienced a period of expansion and growth. This was attributed to the diversification experienced throughout the industry, with new entrants offering different services and goods to the market. This allowed for increased competition and variety, and enabled more efficient production at a variety of scales.
The sector was heavily reliant on new technologies, namely robotics and automation which enabled larger-scale manufacturing operations. This enabled the factories to become more efficient, and allowed the production of goods at higher rates than before. This approach has become increasingly common in recent decades, and allowed the industry to remain competitive in an ever-evolving global market.
Great Britain has also experienced a wave of new players entering the manufacturing industry, offering innovative services and products. These new entrants are much-needed additions to the sector, and are contributing to its further evolution. This means that the country is now a major player in the international market, and is positioning itself as a world leader in advanced manufacturing.
Change in production methods
Whilst some factories still emphasize traditional labor, others have adopted new methods for production which are more technologically advanced. This includes the use of robotics and automation which enable faster and better production of goods. This technology has been vital in the industry as it allows for larger-scale production operations which are more efficient and provide higher quality outputs.
Alongside the use of technology, new materials and techniques have allowed for factories to create products that are of a much higher quality. This includes the development of processes such as 3D printing, which has enabled intricate and complex shapes to be created with a much greater precision. This has allowed the sector to become even more competitive in the global market, and demonstrates the ever-evolving nature of the industry.
The manufacturing industry in Great Britain prior to World War 2 allowed the country to become an industrial superpower and set it on the road to post-war recovery. The huge production factories of the time played a key role in achieving this, and has since propelled the country to a position of leadership. Despite the challenges faced by the sector in recent years, the factories remain a driving force in the economy and continue to contribute to its evolution.
