Industrial Revolution: Sanitation, Toilets, and Class
Innovation and technology have left a huge impact on society. Both aspects can contribute to the advancement of society but at a consequence. A time period that shows how innovation can impact the masses is the Industrial Revolution era. This research focuses on the heart of England and the different technological and sociological impacts that the revolution sparked, especially in the sanitation infrastructure. The first part of the research was conducted as a summary of “The Metamorphosis of Ajax, jakes, and early modern urban sanitation” by Dolly Jorgenson, which gives an insight to some of the innovative technologies that were used to combat disease in the 18th and 19th century. These insights included the development of the flushable privy to the different approaches to sanitary solutions. The second half of the research, Sanitation Infrastructure and Class Disparity in The Industrial Revolution, addresses how these innovations triggered pollution and class disparity.
Industrial Revolution: Toilet + Infrastructure
Manufactured goods and tools meant that luxuries were more affordable, farmers were able to produce more food and consequently the population grew, and food prices plummeted. This surplus population made its way to the city to work in factories and as a result urban infrastructure was in dire need of innovation.
Sanitation Infrastructure and Class Disparity in The Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution era of the 18th and 19th century led to the start of the technological boom in England which allowed for the nation’s population to grow with the advancement of farming and manufactured goods. In response to this boom, urban centers developed overcrowding issues that caused pollution and class disparity. To address the pollution and the problems that occurred due to unmanaged waste, reforms on sanitation infrastructure were developed.
Bathroom Practices
The way that people have used the bathroom has changed throughout time. Traces back to the earliest times when castles had drop towers to the modern toilet, we all know today.
Map of England
The locations of key highlights of the industrial revolution era
Bibliography
“Letter of Mr. J.W. Bazalgette on Establishment of Public Conveniences throughout the Metropolis : Printed by Order of Court, 22nd March, 1849 : London (England). Metropolitan Commission of Sewers : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming.” Internet Archive. [London] : Printed by Reynell and Weight, 16 Little Pulteney Street, 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 08 Mar. 2021.
Jorgensen, Dolly. The Metamorphosis of Ajax, jakes, and early modern urban sanitation. Early English Studies. Vol. 3. 2010
Wright. “Clean and Decent : The Fascinating History of the Bathroom & the Water Closet and of Sundry Habits, Fashions & Accessories of the Toilet Principally in Great …” Web. 08 Mar. 2021.
Solomon, Steven. “Water: The Epic Struggle for Wealth, Power, and Civilization.” Water: The Epic Struggle for Wealth, Power, and Civilization. New York: Harper Perennial, 2011. 249-66. Print
https://blogs.uoregon.edu/evolutionofbathrooms/