dec 1, 1848 - Cholera London Outbreak

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Rapid population growth due to industrialization in British cities meant that infrastructure often did not keep up—sanitation and garbage disposal were lacking and disease was rampant. Edwin Chadwick was an early commissioner in public works and improving conditions, and found inspiration from Utilitarianism—“greatest good for the greatest number”. He believed in helping to prevent disease through improving environmental conditions. A Cholera outbreak in 1848 paved the way and set the stage for demands in public health work, and Chadwick’s work was the basis of early public health laws. The public health movement would spread across Europe and to North America, where cities would make rapid progress towards improving conditions.

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