Public Health Developments in 1860-1875

Key Events Leading to Public Health Reforms

The Great Stink of 1858
- The unbearable odor of sewage from the River Thames halted Parliamentary meetings.
- Highlighted the lack of proper sewers and drainage in London.
Validation of Public Health Theories
- Edwin Chadwick and Jon Snow's beliefs gained validation.
- Louis Pasteur's Germ Theory (1861) linked unhygienic conditions with disease.
Cholera Outbreak of 1866
- Affected towns that ignored recommendations from the Public Health Act of 1848.
- Emphasized the need for improved water supplies, sewage, and rubbish collection.
Political Changes of 1867
- Working-class men gained voting rights, comprising half of the electorate.
- Politicians were incentivized to improve the living conditions of the poor.

Increased public willingness to pay taxes for public health reforms.
The Sanitary Act of 1866 required town councils to inspect water supplies, drainage, and sewage.
The Artisans' Dwelling Act of 1875 enabled councils to demolish slums and construct better homes.

Significant Changes Introduced
- Local authorities mandated to appoint medical officers and sanitary inspectors.
- Powers extended to raise taxes for clean water supplies and waste management.
- Compulsory measures for health and sanitation for the first time.
Comprehensive Scope
- More detailed and mandatory compared to the 1848 Act.

Marked a turning point in public health history.
Set the foundation for the modern public health system.
Demonstrates the collective responsibility in shaping societal well-being through public health measures.

Historical events like the Great Stink and cholera outbreaks underscore the importance of public health measures.
The 1875 Act established essential groundwork for ongoing health and sanitation improvements.
Public health is integral to both personal and communal well-being, influencing historical trajectories.