When Cities Were Cesspools of Disease | Nat Geo Explores

Cities of the 19th century were breeding grounds for disease. Find out how poor living conditions played a role and how the discovery of the germ led to public health reforms still seen today.

About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.

Get More National Geographic:

When Cities Were Cesspools of Disease | Nat Geo Explores

National Geographic

[NatGeo]

During the 19th century, tuberculosis killed one in seven people in the United States and Europe. What are your thoughts on these living conditions and the impact it has on the health of people during this time?

[ikeekieeki]

i don't think people realize how bad disease was in cities before environmental protections, landlord regulations, hygeine awareness, and reliable water and sewage systems.

[AuroraBoarder]

I have a book called, "The Good Old Days - They Were Terrible!" It talks all about how harsh life was between the years of 1865 and 1918. Anyone who complains about today should read it.

[someguyontheinternet]

It bothers me to see people not already practicing good hygiene, but are doing it because they're told so. Make it a habit people!

[jamesduncan]

Thank you for providing these videos. I use them often in my social studies classes.

[jfrorn]

Nowadays they would say, 'sure we need clean cities, but how you gonna pay for it?'

[EnigmaticRPG]

"But germs aren't real, because I can't see them" :^)
For real tho, why is it so hard to get some people just to wash their hands?

[thegumbostew]

Lemme go put my mask on before I watch this..

[jaydeebee]

You can learn about disease, but you can't take away freedom to make wrong choices

[JustKixs]

Koch... I remember about Koch's postulates when I took microbiology for my nursing degree at university.

[VeganDefinition]

You know New York still exists but ever since quarantine this hasn't been an issue.

[kentcelicious]

Just amazing looks like looking thru a time frame

[paveoelcamino]

it's an incredible video! you're the best, i love u <333

[minboogie]

All cities always were and will be....

[chavamara]

Oh good, Robert Koch got acknowledgement!

[briangarrow]

Remember to thank the real heroes of civilization- water and wastewater treatment plant operators.

[morbiusprime]

They still are, I get sick everytime I go to the big city

[-manwhoknowsmuch]

А вот и лето прошло, Словно и не бывало!

[faceworld]

Nice video, i got more informations about desease. Thanks for sharing my friend

[blakemcnamara]

Remember that this was the poor classes. Middle and upper class people had quite a bit better but immigrants were at the bottom of the barrel.