Why Do People Survive From 1500 To 1800

During the time period of 1500-1800 there were many advancements, which led to the evolution of how humans existed on a daily basis. . In this era a considerable amount of time and energy was geared towards the collection of food and the sustainability of their communities. This is contrasted to the objective of today’s people focusing mainly on earning money and enjoying life. In this essay it will explore not only the location and context of how the people survived but also what significantly impacted their existence.
In the period of 1500-1800 there were small cities popping up around Europe and Asia. The locations of the cities were carefully considered, unlike today, where we are able to foster the development of the town despite its
This proved difficult for many as the scarce amount of food dictated often how and to what extent they could live. For the ones who were lucky enough to have some land in which they could cultivate, although this had its own obstacles for the many families who owned land. As a result of the many mouths to feed often their cultivated land ‘could barely feed them even in a prolific year’ (Blainey, 2000, p. 409). Thus many parents were forced to send older children to work for the richer in society in order to make up for the lack of resources. They would often work long days for little return this was a widespread occurrence as the majority of the population struggled with food supplies with many resorting to a meagre diet which consisted of bread and beer. Documented at the time beer and bread was a staple of their diets if not the soul source of nutrition in every meal for families. There was no discrimination as to who was able to consume the beer, as unlike today. Children were able to consume beer even ‘At a well-known boarding school in London in 1704 breakfast for the boys consisted of bread and beer’ (Blainey, 2000, p. 411). Beer quite often was safer than the water, and proved to be a way to avoid contracting communicable diseases from contaminated water supplies as well as staying hydrated. There was a high mortality rate overall with the majority who became unwell succumbing to their illness. As a result this caused further problems for families who risked contracting the same illness as a family member and also that family’s ability to survive in their everyday lives. Life in the period of 1500-1800 was tough for many as they faced obstacles to which prevented them from leading a normal life and compromising their ability to survive. .