Sources For the Spanish Influenza

I used this source to get statistics on the number of deaths and of those affected by the disease.

I used this source to learn information about the Public health care service.

I used this source to get the example about the average case, as seen by a doctor visitng an Indian reserve.

I used this source for a lot of my information, including the differences between the two waves of the influenza.

This source told me how the Spanish influenza got its name.

I used this source for information on the spread of the influenza throughout the military camps.

Spanish Influenza

Spanish Influenza (1918-1919)

      It's strange to think that the most devastating epidemic in history was less than 100 years ago. The number of people it was said to kill initially was somewhere between 20-40 million people world wide. However it is now known that the number of deaths was more than 50 million. In only one year, the Spanish Influenza killed as many or more people than four years of the Black Plague. 1/5 of the world was infected with the influenza, with the mortality rate at its highest for people between the ages of 20-40. Europe took a notice at the first wave and by the end of June, more than 8 million Spanish had been diagnosed with the flu. This lead to it being known as the "Spanish Influenza". In the US alone, 28% of Americans were infected. Even President Wilson suffered from the flu in early 1919. And when it was finally over, more than 675,000 Americans died as the result of this epidemic. That was the equivalent to 10 times the number of Americans killed in World War I, which was unfortunately happening at the same time. The average american life span, which was significantly lower than our present 70-80 years at only 54 years, dropped by 10 years in only year. For every 1000 people, 25 would unfortunately die of the influenza.

      The influenza came in two waves; the first in the spring of 1918, and that second that winter. The first wave did not claim as many victims as the second, in fact many people ignored the first wave. The American Public health system was one of the groups that ignored the first wave of the influenza. Because of the lack of a good network of health departments in the United States, America struggled to compile enough data about the 1st wave. The wave did not last very long, leading America to believe that the lack of data was no big deal. Prisons and Armed Forces were among the few resources that had a good record of data. News papers like the Denver Post ran articles informing people of the differences between cold and flu symptoms in hopes of helping people determine between the two. At this time in history common cold was often confused with the flu. Doctors noticed that the flu was spreading quickly however they also knew that some cases may just have been misdiagnosed colds.

       The second breakout was in Boston. On September 7, 1918, a soldier at a camp right outside of Boston, Massachusetts, was sick with a fever. By September 23, 12,604 soldiers in the camp of 45,000, were sick with the same symptoms. Although these the flu was spreading extremely fast, it took awhile for Massachusetts to take precautions. The people of Boston were too distracted by the  Women's Suffrage Act and the Red Socks victory at the world series to be concerned about the influenza. Although doctor's advised them not to, cities held huge rallies to raise support for the war. These public gatherings included mass meetings where disease could be spread easily. It wasn't until the flu spread through Army camps and naval bases by the end of September, that the United States government began to take notice. 

       One example of just how crippling the influenza was, was portrayed by a doctor visiting an Indian Reservation. On day one the patient had a fever of 100.6. On day two he was still up and walking. By day three the patient had developed double pneumonia. On day four, being unable to stand up, the man was taken to the hospital by a wagon. And by day five, the man was dead. This was considered to be the average case for people with the Spanish Influenza.  

       The tight military quarters allowed for the flu to spread even faster. Also, training for the war was so physical that it lowered the immune systems of the soldiers.  The sick bays in Army camps were full and the nurses had to resort to using the healthy sailors quarters in order to get provide more room for the sick. The United States quickly realized that they must put in more effort to finding the cause. The US government allotted $1 million to the research of the epidemic. Although this meant less money for the war effort, the government realized that it was necessary. 

        The United States Public Health Service was unprepared and unorganized. People were getting sicker faster than they could find someone to care for them. Because of this many people died of dehydration, starvation and poor care. Nurses were in high demand. Doctors, however were not needed. This is because there was no cure.Even though doctors didn't have definite proof, they believed a man named Robert Pfeiffer, who said the influenza was a bacteria and not a virus. Doctors injected healthy people with the bacteria and they didn't sick, but they had no other cure option.  At this time, antibiotics were not available and the only vaccine was made before the cause of this disease was known so it was not a very good vaccine. Patients were experiencing symptoms that were not usually associated with the flu- diarrhea  sore throat, bloodshot eyes. Scientists only knew that the influenza was spreading with droplets from the nose and throat when people coughed and sneezed. Doctors advised people to wear masks in order not to contract the virus. However, people did not always listen. 

      Fortunately in late 1919, the epidemic ended. Unfortunately it claimed more American lives by ten fold than the war itself did.

Mailman delivering mail in a mask at the height of the influenza outbreak.

Police officers in Seattle wearing masks given out by the Red cross.

Nurse in mask fetching water for sick patients

Hospital setup for people affected by the flu in Iowa, 1918.  

Three New York conductorettes wearing masks.

Sources Great White Fleet notecards

www.history.navy.mil
      - I got information from here about the crossing over ritual, as well as the visit to Peru and the celebration of George Washington's birthday.

http://books.google.com/books?id=9mUoAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA19&lpg=PA19&dq=hazards+dealt+with+by+great+white+fleet&source=bl&ots=hDdj161P5x&sig=dz0O6ZfxtcoGOWzwvFaHKCQ0V9E&hl=en&sa=X&ei=q0j2UOe1I4i-8ATVnYDAAw&ved=0CEQQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=hazard&f=false
      - This provided me with information on some difficulties faced by the fleet.

www.greatwhitefleet.info
     -This website was used for the bulk of my research. I got all my information from each port of call from here. I also got information about the wireless telephone and its use from this website.

 http://web.ebscohost.com/hrc/detail?vid=4&sid=29f14920-dc74-4fb7-acab-99ebfc51b820%40sessionmgr4&hid=8&bdata=JnNpdGU9aHJjLWxpdmU%3d#db=khh&AN=27523189
       - I used this website for information on the goals Roosevelt had for the Fleet. I also used this website for an itinerary.

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045433/1907-12-15/ed-1/seq-1/;words=COMMANDERS+SAIL+Commander+EAGER+Command+Commanding+Battle+Fleet
      -I used this to find out more information on the goal of the fleet, as well as how people felt about it. This was my primary source.

Great White Fleet Wireless Telephone

Yesterday I learned about how the first use of the wireless telephone. This was aboard the ships of the Great White Fleet. They used this technology to communicate not only between ships, but also with the shore stations. Dr. Deforest invited this technology in late 1907. At this time wireless phones only had a 75 mile range. After the Great White Fleets trip was over, they got rid of the wireless phone because it was very unreliable.

Late 19th and Early 20th Century Circuses

Circus Lions- 1905

Circus' in the late 19th and early 20th century
     During the late 19th and early 20th century people began becoming interested in different forms of entertainment. During this time, the work week was shortened, allowing for more time to be spent on other things. People during this era were also making more money which meant more money to be spent on leisure activities. Up until this time, leisure was not something the average American believed in. Leisure was thought as being only for the more wealthy folks who did not have to work the long shifts most Americans did. 

     Because the "legitimate" theater, opera and other forms of high class entertainment were not affordable to the average American, people turned to the circus for entertainment. The circus allowed people to see many different types of exotic animals, daredevil stunts, and other unusual things all in one place, without the need to travel far from home. Admission to the circus was usually around $0.50 for adults and $0.25 for children, which would now be approximately $13 for adults and $6 for children when adjusted to the inflation. Most circuses could sneat about 4,000 people per show. The big top, a tent which covered the circus activities and kept the weather from affecting the performance, to some extent, was usually about 200 ft wide and 46 ft tall. Circuses used trains to carry all their equipment from location to location. They had special cars made to provide enough space for the each animals to travel safely. By the Year 1889, there were over 22 large traveling circuses. When the circus came to town, everything in the town shut down in order to allow people the opportunity to go to the circus. 

     The circus put out ads claiming to be the the "Greatest Show on Earth", showing pictures of many different daredevil stunts and attractions over exagerating the types of attractions to see at the circus. This was used to entice and interest people in coming to the show by allowing them to get a taste of what they would see. Many of the pictures portray unrealistic events, such as cats boxing. This made people come in hopes of seeing the mysterious and unbelievable attractions. The advertisements were exciting using vivid colors to further seduce people into wanting to see their show. Barnum & Bailey were one of the best advertisers of the late 19th and early 20th century. They lured many people into coming to see their show with the promise of seeing many unusual and exciting things. 

     Circuses featured many different acts. Most included exotic animals, muscians, trick riders, trapeze artists and tight rope walkers, juggler, clowns, and contortionist and gymnasts. These things, especially the exotic animals could not be seen any where else. People were excited to see tame wild life, such as lions, bears and elephants, performing different tricks. Another of the major attractions to the show were the circus sideshows. There circuses showcased what they called "Freaks". These were people with unusual abnormalities in their appearance. Some of the more famous freaks were "Gorilla Girl", Lady Giantess and Peter the small, Alice Dehorty the bearded lady, Jojo the Dog Faced Boy, and Ella the Camel girl. These people were born with rare deformities which people were drawn to looking at. 

     One of the biggest circuses accomplishments was providing a show which was pleasing for all ages. They offered "Freak shows" for the adults and many different attractions specifically directed toward children. This allowed families to spend time together at the circus on their days off. Circus owners planned for their shows to appeal to everyone in order to raise attendance to the circus and ultimately make more money off of each show.

    Today, C

Barnum & Bailey 1890 advertisement

FineArtAmerica.com

Hall Family Circus- Evansville, Wiscinsin-1900

evansvillehistory.net

Barnum &Bailey 1896 advertisement

Antiquetrader.com

High Wire Acrobats- 1907

Retronaut.com

Strong Women-1904

Retronaut.com

Tight Rope Walker-1908

Retronaut.com

Model Circus ticket

ColumbiaMissourian.com

Circus Women- 1900

EngageWisconsin.org

Barnum & Bailey advertisement

Collectorsquest.com

Circus Acrobats balancing on the back of horses-1904

Retronaut.com

Ringling Bros and Branum & Bailey's Combined elephants- 1918

Retronaut.com

Elephants parading down the street as the Barnnes Circus comes to New York-1891

Retronaut.com

Elephant almost stampeding three boy, Barnnes Circus -1891

Retronaut.com

Trapeze- 1907

Retronaut.com

Sad Clown- 1902

Retronaut.com

Ellis Island

Ellis Island at the height of immigration

Faces of America was a very interesting video that opened my eyes to how diverse our nation is. It really emphasizes that the majority of people in our culture are, or have immigrant ancestors, including movie stars, Hollywood directors and even Olympic gold medalist. I find it very interesting the reason why the majority of their ancestors or parents left was to improve their living conditions and for their children to have a better life than they had.It's incredible that we have such a diverse collaboration of cultures in our nation. The immigrants who have come over here to make a better life for themselves and for their children are the ones who, in my opinion have lead the nation to the great height that it currently is. Due to their strong work efforts and willingness to persevere even through hard times, these people have created the strong, hardworking work force that we have in this nation.

Unfortunately, due to that I am adopted, I know nothing about my family history. I find it so interesting learning about where other people have come from and I feel like there is such a strong connection with knowing where you come from and your culture. I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to pursue my ancestry and find out where my ancestors are from and why they chose to move here.  

John D Rockefeller

      John D Rockefeller was a brilliant, hard working man. Born on July 8, 1839, John was the second of six children. Even as a child John was determined. He started raising and selling Turkeys,  growing potatoes to sell and selling candy to neighbors to earn a little more money than his childhood chores gave him. At a young age he was already selling stock to his neighbors. He studied hard in school and was always on his best behavior. In his childhood his dad was rarely present. His father, a traveling salesman, sold plant remedies to people all over. John, like his father, was a great businessman. His first official job was at Hewitt and Tuttle as a Bookkeeper. Even when he was just starting to work there and only making about $500/ year,  John always donated 6-10% of his salary to charity. As a child, he set his goals as, "To Make $100,000 and to make it to 100 years old.
      John accomplished his first goal, many times over. In 1859 he and a friend named Maurice B. Clark went into the produce commission business together. By 1863, John had built an oil refinery in Cleveland. Although the refinery was owned by Andrews Clark and commercial oil was new, this job greatly boosted Rockefeller's career experience and  got his name out there. In 1865, Rockefeller bought out  Clark for $72,500 and used it to establish the Rockefeller and Andrews firm. After this point Rockefeller started one by one, buying out any and all competition he had, and also he took out anyone who required him to pay for things. especially when they had a high price.

Halek Energy Partners

     Rockefeller never quite made it to 100 years old but he did however make it to 97. As the Founder of Standard Oil  company, Founder of the University of Chicago and Rockefeller University and having a net worth of $663.4 Billion dollars, making him the first American worth more than $1 billion, Rockefeller did more with his life than he could have ever imagined. Without Rockefeller the world would not industrially be where we are today. He played a big impact on the Industrial Revolution. As the owner and founder of the dominating Oil industry during the industrial revolution, Rockefeller deserves all his wealth for all of his hard work.Though many during this time period looked negatively at monopolies, because Rockefeller built his way up to where he was through hard work, he is one of the only honest monopoly owners of his time, in my opinion.


tarbell.allegheny.edu
PBS.org
USHistory.com