Using an example of an industry you have studied. Describe and explain its growth and decline. Evaluate the success of government policy in regenerating the area.
Using an example of an industry you have studied. Describe and explain its growth and decline. Evaluate the success of government policy in regenerating the area.
The growth of iron and steel industry in South Wales began since the 1800. There were about 35 irons works in the area. The population of towns such as Merthyr Tydif and Ebbw Vale grew because the valleys of South Wales were an idea location for iron making. Coal and iron were often found together on valley sides and limestone was available nearby. The raw materials were easily accessible for the industry.
The decline of the industry begins in the 1970s was largely due to the collapse of the British Empire as coal, steel and iron were previously sold to ex colony like India and Australia. The collapse of the colonial system meant that the market for British's coal was minimized. Britain was also faced with cheap imports from overseas and this led to closure of many coal mines. The coal mines in South Wales were not modernized because the valley floor was too narrow for large machinery to access. Without mechanization, mines were forced to close down due to high competitions from overseas such as Wyoming and Australia. By the 1970s there were only two steelworks left in South Wales, but they were located on the coast at Port Talbot and Llawern. The modern integrated steelworks are now located on the coast at break of bulk sites to achieve competitive advantage.
The growth of iron and steel industry in South Wales began since the 1800. There were about 35 irons works in the area. The population of towns such as Merthyr Tydif and Ebbw Vale grew because the valleys of South Wales were an idea location for iron making. Coal and iron were often found together on valley sides and limestone was available nearby. The raw materials were easily accessible for the industry.
The decline of the industry begins in the 1970s was largely due to the collapse of the British Empire as coal, steel and iron were previously sold to ex colony like India and Australia. The collapse of the colonial system meant that the market for British's coal was minimized. Britain was also faced with cheap imports from overseas and this led to closure of many coal mines. The coal mines in South Wales were not modernized because the valley floor was too narrow for large machinery to access. Without mechanization, mines were forced to close down due to high competitions from overseas such as Wyoming and Australia. By the 1970s there were only two steelworks left in South Wales, but they were located on the coast at Port Talbot and Llawern. The modern integrated steelworks are now located on the coast at break of bulk sites to achieve competitive advantage.
