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British industry in the 19th century

Study note

In the 19th century British industry led the entire world. The UK produced more than half of the world's iron, coal and cotton cloth, an astonishing share for a single country. So if asked what Britain made more than half of, the answer is iron, coal and cotton cloth. Britain also became a leading centre for financial services such as insurance and banking.

This industrial confidence was put on display in 1851 at the Great Exhibition. It was held in the Crystal Palace, a huge glass building put up in Hyde Park in London, and it showed off goods and inventions from Britain and around the world. Remember the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park as the location of the 1851 Great Exhibition.

Memory tip: 19th-century Britain made over half the world's iron, coal and cotton; the 1851 Great Exhibition showed it off.

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Question 1 of 2

In the 19th century, Britain produced more than half of the world's supply of what?

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Show all questions and answers for British industry in the 19th century(2 questions with explanations)

British industry in the 19th century: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. In the 19th century, Britain produced more than half of the world's supply of what?

    • Iron, coal and cotton cloth
    • Gold and silver
    • Wheat and rice
    • Wine and olives

    Correct answer: Iron, coal and cotton cloth

    The UK produced more than half of the world's iron, coal and cotton cloth.

  2. 2. Where was the Great Exhibition of 1851 held?

    • The Tower of London
    • Edinburgh Castle
    • The Crystal Palace in Hyde Park
    • Buckingham Palace

    Correct answer: The Crystal Palace in Hyde Park

    The Great Exhibition of 1851 was held in the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park.

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