differences in the standard of living and wealth between two areas of the same country

the economic centre of a country or region; in the UK, this is London

the area of a country or region that serves the core and therefore has a weaker economy

The north-south divide

Geography

This unit teaches economic change in the UK. Pupils will learn about the causes of economic change and the move to a post-industrial economy. Pupils will learn about economic developments in rural areas, developments in transport, the north-south divide and the role of the UK in the wider world.

Economic futures in the UK

Geographers think about the north-south divide as an example of a {{}} (the south) and a periphery (the north).

There is some disagreement over where the north-south divide actually sits. Most geographers agree that the north has:

An abundance of natural resources, such as coal, fed industrial growth

manufacturing industries using coal power grew rapidly from 1850 to 1950

by the 1970s coal mines closed and factories moved overseas

left behind high levels of unemployment and little to attract new investment.

To understand the causes of the north-south divide geographers look at the regional history. The correct sequence of events in the north of the UK that led to the current divide is ... 

grants and loans available to new businesses

improved digital infrastructure (such as superfast broadband)

The ‘Northern {{}}’ was an initiative to try to boost industrial growth specifically in the north of England.

England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

a system of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services

the production or extraction of raw materials

the manufacturing of goods, e.g. cloth from cotton

providing services to people, e.g. a doctor

knowledge-based industries or high-tech industries, such as ICT 

Match the type of industry with its definition.

differences in standard of living & wealth between two areas in the UK

the economic centre of a country or region, e.g. London 

area of a country/region that serves the core and has a weaker economy

Match the key words with their definitions.

the shift from agriculture to manufacturing industries

Which of the following is a key cause of economic change in the UK during the Industrial Revolution?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The north-south divide

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.