Disease and Medicine in 1840’s America
America -- a young nation, still in its infancy; after declaring victory over Britain two times, and escaping the global Napoleonic War, there was an abrupt but shaky peace. The United States were hit by a massive economic revolution in a time period known to many as “Jacksonian America.” But when asked of what 1840’s America was like, most people would say familiar phrases heard in a history class, “The Gold Rush,” “Mexican-American War,” and “Manifest Destiny.” These truly were occurring, yet not many take a stab at analyzing how this affected the millions who still lived in the rural frontier of America. Even though urban population growth increased in the country, up by 250%, most Americans still lived the stereotypical farming and ranching life. There was indeed an economic revolution too, with the construction of the Erie Canal in 1825, increasing shipping and trade, and plantation farming was also boosting the economy with the sale of cash crops. One thing that is …show more content…
Miasma theory states that diseases were caused by decaying matter called miasma, easily distinguished by its foul smell; poisonous air spread disease through many people. This was indirectly supported by the fact that high-population density areas with low amounts of sanitation were hot-spots for diseases. Even legendary hospital pioneer, Florence Nightingale believed in Miasma theory. Although replaced by germ theory, this at least attempted to break through to healthier living standards. Many Americans rose up and tried to be more cleanly, this was unfortunately was countered by the Industrial Revolution, and the increase of urban city life, where low sanitation was rampant. Yet there was a language barrier-like problem between the world of science and the average
America -- a young nation, still in its infancy; after declaring victory over Britain two times, and escaping the global Napoleonic War, there was an abrupt but shaky peace. The United States were hit by a massive economic revolution in a time period known to many as “Jacksonian America.” But when asked of what 1840’s America was like, most people would say familiar phrases heard in a history class, “The Gold Rush,” “Mexican-American War,” and “Manifest Destiny.” These truly were occurring, yet not many take a stab at analyzing how this affected the millions who still lived in the rural frontier of America. Even though urban population growth increased in the country, up by 250%, most Americans still lived the stereotypical farming and ranching life. There was indeed an economic revolution too, with the construction of the Erie Canal in 1825, increasing shipping and trade, and plantation farming was also boosting the economy with the sale of cash crops. One thing that is …show more content…
Miasma theory states that diseases were caused by decaying matter called miasma, easily distinguished by its foul smell; poisonous air spread disease through many people. This was indirectly supported by the fact that high-population density areas with low amounts of sanitation were hot-spots for diseases. Even legendary hospital pioneer, Florence Nightingale believed in Miasma theory. Although replaced by germ theory, this at least attempted to break through to healthier living standards. Many Americans rose up and tried to be more cleanly, this was unfortunately was countered by the Industrial Revolution, and the increase of urban city life, where low sanitation was rampant. Yet there was a language barrier-like problem between the world of science and the average