Fighting cholera in London in the 19th century
I can evaluate the significance of John Snow’s work for the fight against cholera in 19th century London.
Fighting cholera in London in the 19th century
I can evaluate the significance of John Snow’s work for the fight against cholera in 19th century London.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Many people in Britain died in cholera epidemics.
- John Snow identified that contaminated water spread cholera.
- Snow's findings were generally not accepted by officials.
- The Great Stink led to a new sewage system being built in London.
- There were no cholera epidemics in London once its new sewage system was built.
Keywords
Epidemic - when a large number of people get the same disease over the same period of time
Contaminated - something that has become dirty or harmful to people’s health
Cesspit - a large underground hole that is used for collecting human waste
Common misconception
London's new sewage system was built in response to John Snow's findings and recommendations.
Snow's work was generally overlooked by officials. Instead, London's new sewers were built in response to the Great Stink of 1858.
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Fighting cholera in London in the 19th century, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Fighting cholera in London in the 19th century, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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