Glasgow History 5

History of Glasgow Part 5

Post Industrial Springburn

The decline of old industries.

Glasgow had managed to improve its lot for both economically and civilly for
7 centuries, the 20th century was going to prove the cities toughest test yet.

The first decade was business as usual, then the tragedy of the First World War
unfolded. In common with the rest of the UK many Glasgow men went to the front
to fight to give us freedom and a “Land fit for heroes”, unfortunately the men
who returned found a City and a country in economic freefall resulting in a
downturn in orders for Ships and Locomotives.

The situation was worsened by the Market crash in the late 20’s early 30’s .

The city still employed hundreds of thousands of men in traditional industries
and the Queen Mary, seen as the greatest liner ever built was successfully
launched on the Clyde. A new 175 ton Crane was also built on the Clyde side at
Finniston in 1931 designed to lift locomotives from the dock onto the large
cargo ships. But it was becoming clearer that these industries where in decline.
After the Second World War there was an upturn in ship building to cover losses
to the merchant fleets during the war and in the 60’s another great liner the
world famous QE2 was built and lunched on the Clyde, but this was to be the
last.

By the early 60’s Glasgow had a major decision to make, either the city died or
it reinvented its self and maintained its position as a major European city.

Not all was doom and gloom in the from 1914 till 1970, the City hosted the
Empire Exhibition in 1938 and the Final of the Coronation Cup a football
Tournament between the best sides in the UK celebrating the coronation Queen
Elizabeth the 1st of Scotland and 2nd of England. It was fitting that Glasgow
Celtic FC won the cup and kept it in Scotland.