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'National government has done more to improve people's health since 1900 than it did during the Industrial Age of 1750–1900.' How far do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 5
'National government has done more to improve people's health since 1900 than it did during the Industrial Age of 1750–1900.' How far do you agree? Give reasons for ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'National government has done more to improve people's health since 1900 than it did during the Industrial Age of 1750–1900.' How far do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Assessing Government Action Since 1900
Answer
Since 1900, national governments have implemented numerous health initiatives, including the establishment of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK in 1948. This system provided universal access to healthcare, significantly improving public health outcomes. Moreover, vaccination programs and public health campaigns have dramatically reduced the incidence of diseases such as polio and measles, which were widespread in previous decades.
Step 2
Evaluating Government Response During the Industrial Age
Answer
During the Industrial Age (1750–1900), government action was limited primarily to addressing immediate public health crises, such as cholera outbreaks. For example, the Public Health Act of 1848 was introduced in response to the cholera epidemic, but its implementation varied significantly across regions. This suggests a more reactive rather than proactive approach to public health.
Step 3
Comparative Effectiveness of Health Policies
Answer
The effectiveness of health policies since 1900 can be contrasted with those from the Industrial Age. Improvements in sanitation, housing, and workplace conditions since 1900 have contributed to higher life expectancy and lower mortality rates. In contrast, the Industrial Age saw many individuals working in hazardous conditions without government oversight, leading to poor health outcomes.
Step 4
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while both periods saw government intervention in public health, the systematic and comprehensive approaches taken post-1900 have significantly outperformed the largely reactive measures during the Industrial Age. Therefore, I agree that national governments have done more to improve people's health since 1900.