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Institutional Responses and Reform

Samuel Baker

Samuel Baker

6 min read

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AP European History: Social and Economic Reforms (Late 19th Century)

Hey there, future AP Euro superstar! Let's dive into the late 19th century, a time of massive change and reform. This period is HUGE for the exam, so let's make sure you're prepped. We're talking about how industrialization forced governments to step up and address some serious social problems. Let's get to it!

The Push for Reform: A Society in Crisis

Key Concept

Industrialization created a host of new problems, including disease, overcrowding, and crime, which led to public outcry and pressure on governments to act.

Sick of This: Literally and Figuratively

Industrial cities were a mess! Think pollution, disease, and just too many people crammed into small spaces. It was a recipe for disaster, and people were fed up. This section focuses on the problems and the solutions.

Sanitation and Public Health

  • The Problem: Disease was rampant due to poor sanitation and polluted water. 🤢
  • The Solution: Cities started building sewage and water systems. This was a HUGE step in improving public health.
Edwin Chadwick
  • Who: A British reformer who pushed for major changes in sanitation.
  • What: He advocated for a central public health authority, clean water, and effective sewage systems. Basically, he was a sanitation superhero! 💪
Memory Aid

Chadwick = Clean water and sewage. Think of 'Chad' as someone who keeps things clean.

Overcrowding

  • The Problem: Cities were packed with people living in shoddy housing...

Question 1 of 12

What were some of the major social problems 😫 that arose in cities due to industrialization?

Increased agricultural output and rural migration

Disease, overcrowding, and crime

Decreased trade and economic recession

Political stability and decreased social unrest