Britain 1850

Population 50% lived in countryside 50% lived in towns Rapid movement due to industrialisation

Urbanisation Growth of towns Towns unable to cope Overcrowding Poor sanitation Poor water supplies

Disease Epidemics – massive outbreaks of disease Cholera Typhus High child mortality

Work Prosperity – Industrial revolution Prosperous business class - entrepreneurs Workshop of the world Coal, Iron, Steel, Textiles Agriculture Growth of Trade Unions

Government Upper classes dominated Stability (1848 Revolutions) Working classes peaceful Strong work ethic Low taxes Growth of Socialism

Welfare Laissez faire attitudes – self help Massive social problems Poor Law – Workhouses Limited improvement e.g. 1833 Factory Act, 1848 Public Health Act