AP Success - AP World History: 19th Century Coal Mining Insights
"The mineral fuel which constitutes so great a source of our national wealth is not extracted from the earth without a fearful sacrifice of life; either cut off suddenly, or slowly, but as surely, destroyed by inhaling the poisonous gases of the mines. Scarcely a week passes without fatal explosions, of which little notice is taken beyond the immediate scenes of the calamities; nor is it till some thirty or forty human beings have been killed at one flash that public attention is aroused ; whilst the thousands who are sent to premature graves by the daily operating effects of the insidious atmospheric poison are altogether unminded."
English publication, The Spectator, 3 November 1849
Question 1
According to the source, what was a significant consequence of coal mining during the 19th century?
The economic decline due to the excessive cost of mining operations.
The improvement of miners' living standards due to high wages.
A high mortality rate among miners due to accidents and unhealthy conditions.
The decrease in national wealth due to the depletion of mineral resources.
Question 2
The source from The Spectator highlights which of the following aspects of the Industrial Revolution?
The technological advancements in mining safety.
The environmental impact of industrial practices.
The human cost associated with industrial work environments.
The role of labor unions in improving working conditions.
Question 3
What does the source suggest about public awareness and reaction to mining accidents in the 19th century?
There was a strong and immediate governmental response to each mining accident.
Mining accidents were regularly covered in detail by the media.
The public was generally well-informed and proactive about mining safety.
Public attention to mining disasters was often limited unless there were large numbers of fatalities.
Question 4
The phrase 'fearful sacrifice of life' in the source most directly reflects which of the following?
The acknowledgment of the bravery of miners working in dangerous conditions.
The economic sacrifices made by the nation to ensure the safety of miners.
The public's indifference to the dangers faced by industrial workers.
The recognition of the human toll taken by industrial labor.
Question 5
The reference to 'the thousands who are sent to premature graves' in the source is indicative of which broader 19th-century trend?
The development of social welfare programs to support the families of deceased workers.
The mass migration of rural populations to urban industrial centers.
The rise of public health initiatives to combat industrial pollution.
The adverse health effects faced by workers as a result of industrialization.
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