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Abstract
Life expectancy in the United States rose from 47 years in 1900 to nearly 79 years by the end of the century.
- Pre-modern societies experienced high infant and maternal mortality rates and recurrent epidemics.
- Skeletal and mummified remains show evidence of various diseases, including tuberculosis and leprosy.
- Chronic malnutrition and a life expectancy at birth rarely exceeding 35 years were common in earlier populations.
- The increase in survival rates during the twentieth century is linked to sanitation, vaccination, antibiotics, and preventive medicine.
- Romanticizing the past may undermine confidence in advancements achieved through scientific progress.
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