Urbanization

The 19th century was a period of rapid urbanization in Europe and the United States. The industrial revolution produced an insatiable need for workers in urban factories. In 1800 urban dwellers made up 40 percent of the population of Great Britain. By the end of the century, the country's urban population had grown to 80 percent.

In the first part of the century, urban living conditions were so poor that epidemics ravaged the growing populations. However, by the second half of the century, conditions in the cities improved substantially. Boards of health were created to ensure that housing conditions were sanitary. Next, water and sewage systems were built that provided clean water, and soon gas heaters provided hot baths for urban residents.