Why did people commonly die in the late
1. Infectious Diseases: The late 1800s was a time before widespread immunization and effective antibiotics. As a result, infectious diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis, smallpox, diphtheria, and typhoid fever were common and often fatal. These diseases could spread quickly through densely populated cities, where sanitation was poor and hygiene practices were limited.
2. Poor Sanitation: Sanitation conditions in many cities were inadequate. Streets were often unpaved and filled with garbage, and human waste was not properly disposed of. This created favorable environments for the spread of bacteria and diseases.
3. Lack of Medical Knowledge and Treatment: Medical knowledge and treatments were limited compared to today's standards. Many diseases were not well understood, and effective treatments were either not available or not widely accessible. This resulted in high mortality rates for many illnesses that are now easily curable.
4. Malnutrition and Poverty: Poverty was widespread during this time, and many people lacked access to adequate nutrition. Malnutrition weakened the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to diseases.
5. Childbirth Complications: Childbirth was a particularly dangerous event for women. Without modern medical care, complications during pregnancy and delivery were common and often fatal.
6. Limited Access to Healthcare: Access to healthcare was limited, especially for the poor and marginalized. Many people could not afford medical care or did not have access to medical facilities.
These factors combined to contribute to the high mortality rate in the late 1800s. As medical knowledge advanced, sanitation improved, and immunization became more widespread, the mortality rate gradually declined in the following decades.