Overcrowding - What caused the problems of overcrowding

Question 1

Migration to the cities

Answer 1

Due to expanding industries, many people moved from urban to rural area. This led to population increases and housing shortages. Many people emigrated from Ireland due to potato famine.

Question 2

Lack of rooms

Answer 2

Many houses were designed to have one or two rooms. Created overcrowding for large families.

Question 3

Poor quality housing

Answer 3

Housing was often built with cheap materials which could result in poor heating and building collapses.

Question 4

Poor sanitation

Answer 4

Housing often shared a single water supply and toilet. These toilets would not be connected to the sewage system and disease was rife.

Question 5

Lack of ventilation

Answer 5

Access to fresh air was a problem due to industrial fumes as well as lack of chimneys and windows. Created lots of breathing problems like TB.

Question 6

Lack of sunlight

Answer 6

Houses were often built back to back and built high. Made it difficult for sunlight to get through. Led to vitamin D deficiency as well as rickets.