This document outlines the history of public health in Europe from the Medieval period to the late 20th century. During the Medieval and Renaissance eras, some laws were introduced but the causes of disease were unknown. As industrialization took hold, rapidly growing cities became overcrowded and polluted, leading to poor living conditions. The recognition of germ theory and working class political empowerment in the late 19th century forced governments to address water, sewage, and housing issues to improve public health, though poverty remained a major challenge. After World War 2, the UK government established the free National Health Service to provide healthcare to all.
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1. Medieval Renaissance Early Industrial Late Industrial Early 20th Mid-late 20th
Public Health c. 1350-2000
Some laws, but no
knowledge of where
disease comes from
Some isolated
changes
Rapid growth of
crowded and
polluted cities
Poor conditions the
problem- working
class getting the
vote and Germ
Theory forces
government to act.
Water/sewage
sorted- housing
some progress
Poverty still an
issue- Liberal
government brings
in some changes- all
with limitations
Labour government
bring in NHS after
WW2. All services free-
most still are. Rising
costs- so government
try to keep people
healthy as cheaper
