Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Industrialisation and social change in Britain, 1759–1928: forging a new…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 34.1: Industrialisation and social change in Britain, 1759–1928: forging a new society - 5 Herbert Austin: creating and adapting to market forces, 1905–28: The Longbridge works, 1905–18: the role of Herbert Austin; pre-war car production; the impact of the First World War; the economic importance of Longbridge to the Midlands.
Herbert Austin founded the Austin Motor Company at Longbridge in 1905, initially producing a range of cars.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 3
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Herbert Austin founded the Austin Motor Company at Longbridge in 1905, initially producing a range of cars. By 1914, pre-war car production had grown, with models like the Austin 10 and 15, establishing Longbridge as a significant car plant. The First World War transformed the works: from 1914, it produced munitions, aero engines, and ambulances, expanding rapidly and employing thousands. This wartime expansion had a lasting impact, boosting the local economy and workforce skills. Longbridge became economically vital to the Midlands, providing employment and stimulating related industries. Thus, Austin's role, pre-war production, wartime adaptation, and regional economic importance are all key.
What earns the marks
- Herbert Austin's decision to establish the Longbridge works in 1905 and his leadership in expanding production before 1914.
- Pre-war car production at Longbridge included models such as the Austin 10 and 15, which helped establish the company in the market.
- The First World War saw Longbridge convert to munitions and aero engine production, significantly increasing its scale and workforce.
- The economic importance of Longbridge to the Midlands grew through employment, subcontracting, and the development of a skilled industrial workforce.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that Longbridge only produced cars during the First World War.
Put it right: It also produced munitions, aero engines, and ambulances.
Claiming that Herbert Austin had no role after 1905.
Put it right: He remained a key figure in the company's expansion and wartime adaptation.
Ignoring the pre-war production of models like the Austin 10 and 15.
Put it right: These were important in establishing the company before 1914.
Exam tips
- Use specific dates and examples, such as the founding in 1905 and the expansion during the First World War.
- Link the economic importance of Longbridge to the wider Midlands region, mentioning employment and supply chains.
- Analyse the impact of the First World War on production, rather than just describing it.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 34.1: Industrialisation and social change in Britain, 1759–1928: forging a new society - 5 Herbert Austin: creating and adapting to market forces, 1905–28: The Longbridge works, 1905–18: the role of Herbert Austin; pre-war car production; the impact of the First World War; the economic importance of Longbridge to the Midlands. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which individual founded the Longbridge works and directed the Austin Motor Company during the period 1905–18?
Listen
Herbert Austin founded the Austin Motor Company at Longbridge in 1905, initially producing a range of cars. By 1914, pre-war car production had grown, with models like the Austin 10 and 15, establishing Longbridge as a significant car plant. The First World War transformed the works: from 1914, it produced munitions, aero engines, and ambulances, expanding rapidly and employing thousands. This wartime expansion had a lasting impact, boosting the local economy and workforce skills. Longbridge became economically vital to the Midlands, providing employment and stimulating related industries. Thus, Austin's role, pre-war production, wartime adaptation, and regional economic importance are all key. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Herbert Austin's decision to establish the Longbridge works in 1905 and his leadership in expanding production before 1914. Pre-war car production at Longbridge included models such as the Austin 10 and 15, which helped establish the company in the market. The First World War saw Longbridge convert to munitions and aero engine production, significantly increasing its scale and workforce. The economic importance of Longbridge to the Midlands grew through employment, subcontracting, and the development of a skilled industrial workforce. A common slip: stating that Longbridge only produced cars during the First World War. Instead, it also produced munitions, aero engines, and ambulances. Exam tip: Use specific dates and examples, such as the founding in 1905 and the expansion during the First World War.
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