Engels had chosen Manchester because it was built up as capitalism progressed in England, as opposed to other cities, such as London, which had a long-established history. Manchester was supposed to be the classic ground on which English industry has wrought its masterpiece. Engels showed that the separation of the rich and the poor and class exploitation was built into the spatial structure of the city.

Manchester was situated on the bank of the river Irwell. Engels noted that the industries were on the banks of the water bodies that criss-crossed the town.

The city and slums within had grown together exemplifying the contradiction that lies at the heart of capitalist industrialization as well as urbanization.