The British Empire - Lesson 1

A concise, engaging lesson exploring how Manchester’s industrial growth was connected to the British Empire and the transatlantic slave trade. Students investigate how global exploitation shaped local industry through clear teaching and focused source analysis.

What’s Included

• Straightforward lesson plan
• PowerPoint on Manchester’s industrial boom, empire trade networks, and links to slavery
• Source‑analysis worksheet
• Adaptive worksheet with simplified sources and guided support

Learning Focus
Students analyse historical sources to explain how Manchester’s cotton industry relied on enslaved labour. They evaluate evidence, consider reliability, and build clear explanations.

Ideal For

• KS3 History
• Empire, Industry, or Slavery units
• Source‑analysis skill development

A focused, evidence‑based lesson that helps students connect Manchester’s industrial success to the wider history of empire and slavery.