A historian argues that 19th-century improvements in European life expectancy were driven primarily by improvements in sanitation and nutrition rather than by advances in medical care.
Which evidence, if true, would the historian most likely cite to support this argument?
- Acheck_circle
Death rates from infectious disease in European cities began falling sharply after the introduction of sewage systems and improved food supplies, decades before effective vaccines and antibiotics were widely used.
- B
European life expectancy varied between countries.
- C
The 19th century saw rapid urbanization in many parts of Europe.
- D
Several important medical discoveries were made in the 19th century.
Explanation
A links the timing of declining mortality to sanitation and nutrition rather than to medical interventions, supporting the historian's argument. B, C, and D are background.