Question 1: When did the Great Stink occur, leading to major sewer reforms in London?

Answer: 1858

Question 2: Who was Edwin Chadwick and what was his contribution to public health?

Answer: Edwin Chadwick was a reformer who campaigned for improved sanitation and public health legislation in 1848 and 1849.

Question 3: Which act established the Metropolitan Asylums Board to improve sanitation and healthcare in London?

Answer: The Public Health Act 1848

Question 4: Identify one key reason why cholera outbreaks prompted public health reforms in 19th-century Britain.

Answer: Cholera outbreaks caused high death rates and revealed the link between sanitation and health, prompting reforms.

Question 5: Describe the significance of the 1875 Public Health Act.

Answer: It consolidated earlier laws, established local health authorities, and made sanitation a legal obligation, marking a major step in public health reform.

Question 1: Source: 'The sewer system of London has become a vital part of the city’s health, preventing the spread of disease.' What is the purpose of this source, and what does it reveal about public health efforts?

Answer: The purpose is to highlight the importance of sanitation reforms; it reveals that improving sewer systems was seen as essential for health and disease prevention.

Question 2: Evaluate the reliability of this quote: 'Sanitation improvements have eradicated most infectious diseases.'

Answer: This is an optimistic statement; while sanitation greatly reduced many diseases, some infectious diseases persisted, so the statement overstates the complete eradication.

Question 3: Source: A Victorian poster promoting vaccination against smallpox. What audience was this intended for, and how effective might it have been?

Answer: The poster targeted the general public, especially parents; it likely aimed to increase vaccination rates and was effective in raising awareness.

Question 1: Explain why public health reforms were gradually introduced in 19th-century Britain.

Answer: Reforms were introduced due to increasing awareness of disease links to sanitation, outbreaks like cholera, and pressure from reformers like Chadwick; legislation was gradual because of political and economic challenges.

Question 2: Describe how the development of the sewer system impacted public health in London.

Answer: The sewer system reduced waterborne diseases like cholera, improved sanitation, and contributed to a healthier urban environment, setting a standard for other cities.

Question 3: Explain the significance of the 1848 Public Health Act in the context of public health history.

Answer: It was the first attempt to establish nationwide public health measures, creating local boards and setting legal standards, marking a turning point in health reform.

Question 1: To what extent did technological innovations, such as sewer systems and vaccination, transform public health in Britain between 1800 and 1900?

Answer: Technological innovations like sewer systems significantly reduced waterborne diseases and improved sanitation, leading to better health outcomes. Vaccination campaigns against smallpox decreased mortality rates and built public health resilience. However, some challenges remained due to uneven implementation and social factors. Overall, these innovations played a crucial role in transforming Britain’s approach to public health, marking a shift from reactive to proactive measures.