European History : Sanitation and Healthcare
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for European History
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Sanitation And Healthcare
Which of the following is an invention from the Renaissance period?
The flushing toilet
The serrated knife
Gunpowder
Carbonated water
The piano
The flushing toilet
The flushing toilet was invented in 1596 by John Harington and was called the Ajax. John was a grandson of Queen Elizabeth I and spent a lot of time at court. He became known for his risqué writings and sense of humor. After inventing the flushing toilet, he wrote a book entitled, “A new Discourse on a Stale Subject, the Metamorphosis of Ajax. It was supposed to be a book describing how his invention worked, but his work was actually a satire that talked negatively about the Earl of Leicester, one of the queen’s friends, which angered the queen and got Harington banned from court.
Example Question #2 : Sanitation And Healthcare
Which of the following did NOT contribute to healthier, more sanitary conditions in Europe in the late nineteenth century?
New public health laws
The discovery of germs
Social Darwinism
Better urban planning
Installation of sewers
Social Darwinism
Social Darwinism applies Darwin's theory of natural selection to human affairs. The principle of "survival of the fittest" did not contribute to improvements in public health. Social Darwinism was, in fact, a doctrine supported by right-wing politicians who fought aggressively against the funding and establishment of social services.
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