Change in output of select industries in the UK 1912-1938

In the period between 1912 and 1938 (years shortly before each respective world war), there was a considerable restructuring of the British economy. The production of cotton goods, of which Britain was the world's largest exporter in the 19^th century, dropped by half in some industry sectors. Raw materials, such as pig iron and coal, saw their output drop by 10 percent each, as the British economy concentrated on producing more complex, manufactured goods. The production of cars doubled in this period, while the output of aircraft quadrupled. These industries would become increasingly important during the Second World War, as would the manufacturing of artificial fibers (i.e., synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester), which the military used for tents, ropes, and parachutes.