r05 Industry in Britain
| Autor: Tomáš Veselý | Škola: G Opatov |
| Strany: 1 A4 | Obrázky: ne |
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| Textový náhled: 5 – Industry in Britain The industrialization of Britain began in about 1760. This great change, which transformed completely the economic and social life in Britain, is called the Industrial Revolution. For a long time Britain was called the "workshop of the world". By the end of the 19th century the USA and Germany had surpassed Britain in industrial output. Nevertheless, Britain maintains her position in the production of goods requiring experience and skill. British economy is based largely on private enterprise. The private sector creates 3/4 of the Gross National Product. The coal industry and railways are publicly owned. Britain exports about 30 per cent of its gross domestic product. It is among the largest exporters of aerospace products, motor vehicles, electrical equipment, machinery, chemicals and textiles. Britain is also one of the world's largest importers of agricultural products, raw materials and semi-manufactured goods. It is self-sufficient in oil. The European Union is now the main trading partner. The main Britain's trading partners are Germany, the USA, France and the Netherlands. Britain is a member of European Union, an association of democratic states. The Union defines its aims as the harmonious development of economic activities, balanced economic expansion, and an accelerated rise in standards of living. Britain has an open economy in which international trade plays a vital part. Half Britain's trade is with its Union partners. Britain's overseas trade does not consist entirely of exports of manufactured goods in exchange for food and raw materials. She does more trade with countries, who, like her, are also manufactured. Britain is very rich in coal. Oil and natural gas have also been discovered but other resources are less significant. Britain was the world's first industrialized country. Its industry is highly developed. It comprises heavy and light engineering, electrical and electronically engineering, aeroengines, shipbuilding, chemical industry, consumer goods and textile industry, and fish processing factories. The north has always been associated with heavy industries, coalmining, iron, steel and textiles, but these are now declining and new industries must be developed. The most important towns are: Newcastle (north-east) – shipbuilding and chemicals Liverpool (in Lancashire) – shipbuilding and chemicals Manchester (in Lancashire) – textile industry Leeds (in Yorkshire) – clothing industry Birmingham (in the area called Midlands) – irons and steels industries Scotland is famous for its whisky destilleries. Science and technology Industry would not develop without science and technology. British achievements range from the theory of gravity to the development of carbon fibres. Some outstanding British scientists: Isaac Newton – a mathematician, physicist and astronomer James Watt – a Scottish engineer who invented the steam engine George Stephenson – who constructed the first steam locomotive The government takes the responsibility for funding research in basic science, money is distributed in the form of grants to universities and other institutions. Major areas for research are physics, space, biology, biotechnology and engineering. The British were the first to identify the hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica. Agriculture The UK is mostly industrial and commercial. But agriculture also plays an important role in its national economy. British agriculture is noted for its high productivity. Although less than 3 per cent of the working population are engaged in agriculture and fishing they feed nearly two thirds of Britain's inhabitants. The remaining agricultural supplies are imported. Plant production The main field crops are wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, sugar beet and oil seed rape. In Scotland barley is used destilling whiskey. Vegetables are widely grown throughout the country. Horticulture is concentrated especially in Kent. Animal production Britain has a long tradition of sheep breeding. Sheep are raised both for meat and for wool. Worldknown British cattle and sheep breeding earn a lot of money. Poultry meat production has considerably increased. Fishing Britain is one of Europe's most important fishing nations. Fishing industry is a source of employment and income in number of ports. Transport … | |