#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

#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! 💪

#Overcrowding

• The Problem: Cities were packed with people living in shoddy housing.
• The Solution: Cities were redesigned with modern infrastructure.
  • This included parks, public transportation, public lighting, and public housing. Think of it as a city-wide makeover! 💅

#Georges Haussmann

• Who: A French urban planner who transformed Paris.
• What: He created wide boulevards, demolished old streets, and built new parks and public buildings. Paris became the envy of Europe thanks to him! 🤩

#Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

#Crime

• The Problem: High crime rates in cities.
• The Solution: Governments reformed prisons and established modern police forces.
  • Prisons focused more on rehabilitation, and police forces became a deterrent to crime. 👮

#Economics and Education

#Changing Economic Views

• Laissez-faire was out, and interventionism was in. 🤯
• Liberals realized that government involvement could actually help, not hinder, progress.

#Public Education

• Why: Reformers, nationalists, and those wanting economic growth all supported required public education.
• Goal: To improve society and create a more educated populace. 🏫

#Final Exam Focus

Okay, let's talk about what to really focus on for the exam. This is your last-minute checklist:

• Key People: Edwin Chadwick and Georges Haussmann. Know their contributions inside and out.
• Major Themes: The impact of industrialization, government intervention, and the shift in liberal ideology.
• Connect the Dots: How did industrialization lead to these reforms? How did these reforms change society? AP loves to see you make connections! 💡

#Practice Questions

Let's put your knowledge to the test! Here are some practice questions to get you in exam mode.

Practice Question

#Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following best describes the primary goal of the public health reforms advocated by Edwin Chadwick? (A) To promote industrial growth (B) To improve sanitation and reduce disease (C) To increase urbanization (D) To limit government intervention

2. Georges Haussmann is best known for his work in: (A) Developing new industrial technologies (B) Implementing socialist reforms (C) Redesigning the city of Paris (D) Leading the French Revolution

3. The shift from laissez-faire economics to interventionist policies in the late 19th century was primarily a response to: (A) The demands of the aristocracy (B) The problems created by industrialization (C) The rise of communism (D) The outbreak of World War I

#Free Response Question

Prompt: Analyze the social and economic effects of industrialization on European cities in the late 19th century. In your response, be sure to discuss how governments and reformers addressed these issues.

Scoring Breakdown

• Thesis (1 point): A clear, historically defensible thesis that addresses the social and economic effects of industrialization and how they were addressed.
• Contextualization (1 point): Describes the broader context of industrialization in the 19th century. For example, the rapid growth of factories, urbanization, and the rise of a working class.
• Evidence (2-3 points): Provides specific examples of the social and economic effects of industrialization, such as overcrowding, poor sanitation, and the rise of crime. Also, mentions specific government actions and reforms, such as the work of Chadwick and Haussmann, as well as the shift in economic policy.
• Analysis and Reasoning (2-3 points): Explains how industrialization led to these problems, how governments and reformers addressed them, and how these changes impacted society. Should connect the reforms to the problems they were intended to solve.
• Synthesis (1 point): Extends the argument by connecting it to another time period, geographical area, or historical development. For instance, comparing the reforms of the 19th century to earlier attempts at social reform or to similar reforms in other industrialized nations.

Alright, you've got this! Remember to stay calm, manage your time, and trust your knowledge. You're going to do great! 👍