Contents
Curricular level
Grade 8 (Gymnasium): 
- Politics, Society and Economy in Germany 1850-1914.
- Urbanization in the 19th and early 20th Century (e.g. Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg).
Abstract
With the beginning of the industrialization in the Great Britain, fundamental changes in the lives of the worldwide population began. By means of intense overseas trade, innovations rapidly spread on the European mainland. A well-expanded transport network and a sound infrastructure, factories, raw material, employees and employers are only some factors required for the success of industrialization. Due to the technical innovations, the life of the population changed. Many people moved from the countryside to the cities, in hope for work and better opportunities to earn money. The primary sector gradually lost its importance.
Urbanization is a result of industrialization. Towns had to brace themselves for their permanently growing populations. The supply of the inhabitants with water and electricity had to be ensured, just like the connection to a transport system and adequate housing space. The simple worker, however, could not afford big dwellings due to his small allowance, so that his family had to live in cramped housing space.
Particularly strong urbanization can be observed in areas in which factories and high raw material deposits exist, like, for example, the Ruhr region, where, consequently, many workers were needed in order to work on and process these.
Conceptual Objectives
- The students should bring the reasons and effects of urbanization and industrialization in line with the historical context.
- The students should be able to perceive and explain the link between industrialization and urbanization.
- The students should be able to perceive the problems of urbanization.
Methodological Objectives and Skills
- Analyzing, interpreting and comparing pictures.
- Analyzing and comparing maps.
Suggestion of Activities
Introduction with Picture 1 of the home town around 1800 and Picture 2 of the home town around 1900: what changes can be recognized, what has changed from 1900 to 2010 (current school year in each case)?
Picture or map analysis (Picture: for example, the Plärrer in Nuremberg; Map: for example, a map of the Ruhr district): the students are divided in two groups; each of them should analyse one picture or one map. In the following group discussion, the changes and their causes should be discussed.
A comparison of pictures: In the last activity, layouts of recent flats can be consulted and compared to C1. The students should find out what has changed in comparison with contemporary rental flats as regards floor plan and size.
Suggestion of Evaluation
In order to check whether the subject matter has been effectively presented, one should follow the questions below:
- Are the students able to describe a picture or a map adequate to the subject matter and to recognize differences?
- Is the link between industrialization and urbanization clearly described by the students?
- Are the students, apart from the positive accomplishments of industrialization, also aware of its negative aspects?
- Are the students able to logically present the factors facilitating industrialization and, as its consequence, the emergence of congested areas?
- What effects of urbanization can we observe today?
