Living Condition

• What was the population increase in England during the early modern period?

  From 3 million to 6 million
• What were the effects of poor harvests in the 1590s?

  High food prices and occasional starvation
• How did urbanization affect London during the early modern period?

  London became the largest city in Europe
• What was the impact of the transatlantic slave trade on Britain's diet?

  It brought new products like sugar and tobacco
• What was the average life expectancy during the early modern period?

  About 41 years
• What was the diet of the rich like during the early modern period?

  It included large quantities of meat and fish
• How did the diet of the poor differ from that of the rich?

  The poor primarily ate bread and pottage
• How many coffee houses were there in London by 1750?

  500
• What health issues arose from the increase in sugar consumption?

  Bad teeth and obesity
• What was a common practice to hide spoiled meat in the early modern period?

  Hiding it in pies
• What were the living conditions like for the poor in early modern times?

  Crowded, damp, and often unsanitary
• How did the water supply improve during the early modern period?

  New systems brought spring water to homes
• What was the common bathing practice for the rich?

  They had servants to help them bathe
• What was the common bathing practice for the poor?

  They bathed in rivers or used dry washing
• What were the key characteristics of living conditions in early modern times?

  • Diets varied significantly between rich and poor
  • Poor living conditions led to health issues
  • Urbanization increased crowding and pollution
  • Water supply improvements were made, but still inadequate
• What was the impact of burning wood and coal in homes?

  It caused lung diseases due to soot and smoke
• How did the wealthy manage their hygiene compared to the poor?

  Wealthy individuals had servants and better facilities
• What was the significance of the English Reformation on public health?

  It led to the closure of monasteries and redistribution of wealth
• How did the diet of the rich contribute to health issues?

  It was protein-heavy and led to conditions like gout
• What was the impact of urbanization on disease spread?

  Urbanization led to increased disease spread due to crowding
• What was the relationship between wealth and health during the early modern period?

  Wealthy individuals had better health outcomes
• What was the impact of the East India Company on Britain's diet?

  It introduced exotic foods to Britain
• What was the significance of the 1590s harvest failures?

  They led to high food prices and starvation
• How did the diet of the poor compare to that of the rich in terms of variety?

  The poor had a much less varied diet
• Why was soap made from olive oil considered expensive?

  Olive oil was expensive, making soap costly.
• How did bathing practices differ between rich and poor people?

  • Rich people could afford regular baths and perfumes.
  • Poor people bathed in rivers and used dry washing techniques.
  • Poor hygiene practices led to less cleanliness for the poor.
• What was the common practice for poor people involved in trades like tanning?

  Poor people would bathe in a river after work.
• What was the hygiene implication of washing in a dirty river?

  Washing in a dirty river was not hygienic and offered limited cleanliness.
• What was the difference in access to clean water between rich and poor people?

  Rich people had access to clean piped water, while poor people did not.
• What was the common beverage consumed by most people during this time?

  Most people drank small beer, a weak ale.
• How did the brewing process affect the safety of drinking beer?

  The brewing process killed germs, making beer safer to drink than water.
• What were the roles of scavengers or rakers in towns?

  • Collected ash, food waste, and sweepings from houses.
  • Did this once or twice a week.
  • Helped manage household waste in urban areas.
• When was the flushing toilet invented?

  The flushing toilet was invented in 1596.
• Why were flushing toilets considered expensive?

  They required piped water and drains for sewage disposal.
• What were privies and where did they often empty into?

  Privies were toilets that often emptied into rivers or cesspits.
• What was the consequence of cesspits overflowing?

  Overflowing cesspits could leak into neighboring properties and create unpleasant odors.
• How did privies and cesspits contribute to public health issues?

  They polluted rivers and wells, leading to the spread of disease.
• What was the impact of the Gin craze during the early modern period?

  The Gin craze led to increased crime and health issues, including addiction.
• What were the key public health improvements made in urban areas during the early modern period?

  • Towns were ordered to be cleaned.
  • Local authorities improved urban environments.
  • Wealthy areas saw more significant improvements than poorer areas.
• What were the differences in health responses between rich and poor during the plague outbreaks?

  • Rich could afford to leave infected areas.
  • Poor had to stay and manage the disease themselves.
  • Both groups sought cures, but access varied significantly.