Birmingham, United Kingdom - Economic Change

Question 1

Outline the basic significance of Birmingham as a city in the UK.

Answer 1

Large metropolitan region in West Midlands conurbation with 1.1 million residents

Question 2

What was the major trade of Medieval Birmingham?

Answer 2

Metalwork

Question 3

Which area was particularly known for its involvement in the Medieval metalworks?

Answer 3

The Black Country

Question 4

What were four of the main trades involved in nineteenth century Birmingham?

Answer 4

Firearms, Jewellery, Brass, Cadbury

Question 5

Which developments in the early Twentieth Century provided another substantial source of employment?

Answer 5

Opening of Austin car plant and Dunlop car factory

Question 6

What was the significance of the Austin car plant and Dunlop car factory opening?

Answer 6

Increased migration to Birmingham for employment

Question 7

How did Birmingham fare in the Great Depression?

Answer 7

It survived due to diversity in its economy

Question 8

Name three things that meant Birmingham thrived in the 1950s-60s.

Answer 8

Unemployment was less than 1%, the city acted as a transport hub, large metal industry

Question 9

How did Birmingham fare in the 1970s and 80s? Why?

Answer 9

Suffered due to global recession causing a rise in oil price and rise of cost of living, globalisation meant labour was cheaper elsewhere eg. Japanese Nissan cars cheaper than Austins/Dunlop

Question 10

Give five examples of where ethnic diversity can be seen in modern Birmingham.

Answer 10

Restaurants, shops, clothing, banks + ATMs + currency exchange, people

Question 11

Approximately how much of the population of Birmingham is white British?

Answer 11

53%

Question 12

Approximately how much of the population of Birmingham is Pakistani?

Answer 12

13.5%

Question 13

Roughly how much of the population is under 24 years old?

Answer 13

38%

Question 14

How much of the population is over the age of 65?§

Answer 14

13%

Question 15

How have the local government recently tried to regenerate Birmingham?

Answer 15

Promoted the inner-city airport

Question 16

How has the City Challenge helped regenerate Birmingham?

Answer 16

Granted funds to the city in late 20th century for improvements

Question 17

How was the Single Regeneration Budget helped the city?

Answer 17

Money from the EU given to develop the city

Question 18

What does the New Deals for Communities contribute to the city?

Answer 18

Work experience schemes from 1999

Question 19

How much did the EU Social Investment give Birmingham?

Answer 19

£235 million

Question 20

Which socio-economic aspect did the European Regional Development Fund support?

Answer 20

Improved housing and businesses

Question 21

Name three flagship developments in Birmingham.

Answer 21

International Convention Centre, Symphony Hall, National Indoor Area

Question 22

Outline the significance of the University of Birmingham

Answer 22

Population of 50,000, youthful population, brings in wealth and employment, students provide market for goods and services

Question 23

What is the Bull Ring and what is its significance to Birmingham’s economic development?

Answer 23

Europe’s first major indoor shopping centre, redeveloped in 1960s, contains flagships such as Selfridges department store

Question 24

What is the Canal and River Trust and what is its significance to Birmingham’s economic development?

Answer 24

Charity set up in 2012 that oversees city’s canal system, contributed to regeneration in Gas Street Basin and Brindley Place