By 1900 it was home to more than 5 million people – 9 million if you include the greater metropolitan area – and had extended its reach to almost 200 square miles. This page gives a brief introduction to London in this period of dramatic change.
What happened in London in 1900s?
The Twentieth Century marked the beginning of many changes for London. It began with the end of an era, carried through two world wars, and a time of cultural and technological revolution. The 1900s saw the death of a monarch, the opening of several important institutions, and even the city’s first Olympic Games.
What was life like in the 1900s in England?
England in the early 1900s was considered the strongest power in the world both economically and militarily. They controlled the British Empire at its peak, which included possessions on every continent except Antarctica and approximately one-quarter of the world’s total population.
What was life like in London in the 19th century?
London’s population grew rapidly during the 19th century. This lead to major problems with overcrowding and poverty. Disease and early death were common for both rich and poor people. Victorian children did not have as many toys and clothes as children do today and many of them were homemade.
What was London like in the 20th century?
The story of London in the 20th century is intriguing. The city expanded outwards, with a rush to create new suburbs and a population that reached its peak in 1939. The Second World War brought a dislocation, more office space for quite a while, then increased gentrification of the inner city districts.
What did Victorians smell like?
By the middle of the Victorian era, bergamot and lemon oil had surpassed Eau de Cologne to become the most popular fragrance for women. According to Goodman: “Bergamot and lemon oil, sometimes employed separately but more often used in combination, was the signature smell of the middle years of the century.
What was the 1900s known for?
The decade saw the widespread application of the internal combustion engine including mass production of the automobile, as well as the introduction of the typewriter. The Wright Flyer performed the first recorded controlled, powered, sustained heavier than air flight on December 17, 1903.
What did adults do for fun in the 1900s?
Other sporting activities which people performed during this time included roller skating, bicycling, swimming, ice skating, sleighing, hunting, and fishing.
Was life hard in the 1900s?
In 1900, the average family had an annual income of $3,000 (in today’s dollars). The family had no indoor plumbing, no phone, and no car. About half of all American children lived in poverty. Most teens did not attend school; instead, they labored in factories or fields.
What did kids do for fun in the 1900s?
Since there was no TV or radio, kids had to entertain themselves. Singing around the piano or home organ was great fun. In the city, roller skating and cycling were favorite pastimes for boys and girls. You would feel safe to roam around in your neighborhood and even travel alone about the city.
How were children treated in the 19th century?
With no laws to protect children, this meant they had few rights and were badly treated. Seen as simply the property of their parents, many children were abandoned, abused and even bought and sold. Thought to be born evil, children needed to be corrected, punished and made to become good citizens.
What kind of crime existed in 19th century London?
As in previous periods of time, around 75% of all recorded crime in nineteenth century London at this time was petty theft. Violent crimes made up about 10% of recorded crime; murder was relatively rare. Despite this people in London were much more worried about gruesome crimes than about minor theft.
How much did poor Victorians get paid?
The average wage in the 1850s was about 15 shillings (75p) a week. Many children got just 5 shillings (25p) a week, or less. While thousands of children worked down the mine, thousands of others worked in the cotton mills.
What were the three main problems in London during the 19th century?
By the late 19th century it was developing an increasingly sinister reputation for crime, overcrowding, desperate poverty, and debauchery.
What was 90s London like?
The 1990s were a time of great change in Greater London. The country started out with a Conservative Government in Downing Street at the beginning and a New Labour government at the end. IRA attacks gave way to the Good Friday Agreement and a new period of peace.
What was the population of London in 1900?
5 million people
By 1900 it was home to more than 5 million people – 9 million if you include the greater metropolitan area – and had extended its reach to almost 200 square miles. This page gives a brief introduction to London in this period of dramatic change.
What did Victorians use for toilet paper?
Before that, they used whatever was handy — sticks, leaves, corn cobs, bits of cloth, their hands. Toilet paper more or less as we know it today is a product of Victorian times; it was first issued in boxes (the way facial tissue is today) and somewhat later on the familiar rolls.
How did Victorians clean their teeth?
Victorian Oral Hygiene & Dental Decay
Most people cleaned their teeth using water with twigs or rough cloths as toothbrushes. Some splurged on a “tooth-powder” if they could afford it. Sugar became more widely distributed, thus contributing to an increase in tooth decay during this time period.
How often did Victorians wash?
Once or twice a month, she might indulge in a lukewarm soak; lukewarm, because unnecessarily hot and cold temperatures were both believed to cause health problems from rashes to insanity. During the weeks between baths, the Victorian lady would wash off with a sponge soaked in cool water and vinegar.
What did people wear in 1900?
Women still wore corsets and long skirts. Men still wore suits. A complete wardrobe included hats and gloves and, for women, often an umbrella. Edwardian fashion was opulent and formal, with expensive fabrics and trimmings.
What food was eaten in the 1900s?
Here are 30 foods and drinks people were discovering and enjoying in the first decade of the 1900s.
- Popcorn. C Creators & Co./Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain.
- Campbell’s Soup.
- Orange Omelette.
- Milk Chocolate Hershey Bars.
- Lady Baltimore Cake.
- Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwich.
- Oysters Rockefeller.
- Pigs In Blankets.