The rapid growth experienced by Belfast 1880-1915 is key to the city's
prosperity in the Victorian era.
 The city continued to grow based on trade
and industry. It imported raw materials including, coal, flax, cotton, machinery,
feed, and tobacco, but had surplus of food to export together with the traditional
manufactured products, linen, clothing, ships, machinery, dairy products,
and potatoes.
Unzoned expansion continued north, south, and east of city center. Lack
of zoning created a mixed-use landscape of terraced housing, factories,
and warehouses. These developments were built without neighborhood system,
and as a result there are few shopping, social venues, or recreation areas
for the inhabitants. |
Timeline of the 1900s
| 1901-- |
30% of total Northern Ireland population lives in Belfast. |
1966-- |
Population decline continues, now at 398,000 |
| 1921-- |
Northern Ireland declared self-governing province,
Belfast is now a government center providing professional and service jobs. |
1969-- |
Beginning of the Troubles-28%
of population living in entirely ethnically segregated
neighborhoods. |
| 1934-- |
Depression forces Workman & Clark out of business, unemployment is rampant. |
1971-- |
Population declines to 362,000 |
| 1937-- |
Population of Belfast City 438,000. |
1972-- |
Parliament of Northern Ireland dissolved, direct rule returned to Westminster
in London. |
| 1941-- |
Bombing from WWII air strikes destroys large amount of housing. |
1977-- |
Planning document "Northern Ireland: Regional
Physical Development Strategy 1975-1995" published by Department of
the Environment |
| 1951-- |
Population of Belfast City 444,000. |
1978-- |
Population declines to 282,000-50% of population living in entirely segregated
neighborhoods |
| 1961-- |
Population of Belfast City declines to 416,000. |
1985-- |
Population declines further to 259,000. |
| 1964-- |
Planning document "The Belfast Regional
Survey and Plan 1962" published. |
1987-- |
Planning document "Belfast Urban Area Plan
2001" published. |
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