19th+Century+life+Austinf09

//__http://www.osv.org/explore_learn/document_viewer.php?DocID=58

PLACE ALL OF YOUR WORK ON A NEW WIKI PAGE UNDER ALL YOUR WORK__//

EQ: Is life better now or then?

Figure out whether your life is "better" than someone living in the early 19th century using the [|data base] of 19th Century (1900-1899) primary and secondary source documents from Old Sturbridge Village. In class we will discuss what "better" means. Hmmmmm....you must utilize at least two primary and two secondary sources.

General guidelines:

Pick two topics that you will research. Find four things from the 19th Century about each topic. Find a primary source example for each. Compare and contrast them with the 21st Century Come to a conclusion on whether life was better in the 19th Century or the 21st Century

= Topic- 19th Century transportation =


 * Example 1**

//Wagons were used mainly to transport goods and people for long distances// "Some wagons come a great distance to market, over high hills and wide plains. When this is the case the wagoner has a fine opportunity of becoming acquainted with different places, and also of improving his mind. As his wagon travels slowly, he has plenty of time to examine every important object that may be along the road; and should the day be warm, he can creep into his wagon, and read or lean back while his horses trudge along in the well-known road. Many wagon horses are furnished with bells, which are necessary in dark nights, both to warn people to get out of the wagon road, and to afford individuals an opportunity of purchasing articles along the way.

There are several other kinds of wagons beside the one we have mentioned, but they are all used in carrying some sort of provisions, either from the country to the city, or from one part of a town to another.

The occupation of the wagoner is a very healthy one. He is continually in the open air, and in constant exercise, either on horseback, or while walking beside his wagon; and when his labour is over, and he has received an ample reward for his trouble, he can spend many hours of quiet recreation at home.

Like all other employments, however, it has some disadvantages connected with it. The wagon is liable to be attacked by robbers when returning home at night, among solitary roads...Besides this they suffer much in the winter, while exposed all day, and are often obliged to remain two or three weeks from their homes and families." [|//http://www.osv.org/explore_learn/document_viewer.php?DocID=58//]


 * Example 2**

//They had steam powered ferry boats which have the same function as modern ones; to transport people across bodies of water// " Though little record remains of the earliest ferry boats which were small sail and rowing craft, there are about 40 mechanically-propelled ferries that can be documented. These boats have all served to ferry freight and passengers on a regular schedule between locations on Chequamegon Bay. In 1870, a small steam yacht called the Minnie V. logged a remarkable work record. From her home port of Bayfield she made 305 trips, traveling some 5,000 miles to local destinations such as La Pointe, Ashland, Red Cliff; and island lightstations, quarries and wood yards. Built at Black Rock, New York in 1869, she was 38 feet in length. With seats forward and aft of engine, she could comfortably seat 25 passengers. When she steamed up from New York to Bayfield in 1869, she was the smallest steam craft that had ever passed through the Sault Ste. Marie canal." http://madferry.com/Ferry-Information/Ferry-Boat-History.php


 * Example 3**

//horseback riding was used when one person was traveling// "**4.** Pleasant and cold. Receive a great quantity of cake from Wm Pratt, Esq., of Shrewsbury, who was married to Miss Elizabeth Sikes on 25th May. Take tea at Mr. Ezra Jones’ and ride on horseback with Miss James to Petersham. In the evening serenade a Mr. Rice, who was married yesterday. This is customary here to pay a salute to those embark[in]g in matrimony. He gets up and entertains the company." http://www.osv.org/explore_learn/document_viewer.php?DocID=1150


 * Example 4**

//Trains were used to travel long distances quickly, although they were dangerous.// " In general early passenger trains, especially during the railroad industry's early years, were relatively dangerous. While steam allowed for faster, and a more efficient means of transportation, this did not necessarily translate into a safer way to travel. Our country’s first railroads like the B&O, Albany & Schenectady, and South Carolina Canal & Railroad used mostly trial and error to learn what worked and what did not which, unfortunately, sometimes resulted in injuries or deaths. It also did not help that shoddy construction practices as railroads raced to build new rail lines and rapidly expand also caused numerous deaths and injuries in the 19th century."

http://www.american-rails.com/early-passenger-trains.html

Transportation in the early 1800's was becoming easier, but it was much more dangerous. It started to lead to where it is today, but it was in a very crude form.
 * Conclusion**

**Topic- 19th century money** ** Example 1 ** Paper money was used much like today. http://www.journalofantiques.com/June04/coinsjune04.htm **Example 2**

Banks distributed their own money notes instead of one common currency. http://www.journalofantiques.com/June04/coinsjune04.htm The dollar was worth a lot more than what it is today. http://www.osv.org/explore_learn/document_viewer.php?DocID=987
 * Example 3**


 * Example 4**

Money was worth more back then, but it was more complex because you could only cash paper money at the bank you got it from. Overall, the economy was much better.
 * Conclusion**