LIVING CONDITIONS
WHAT WERE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE POOR AND RICH CITIZENS IN RICHMOND IN THE EARLY 1900’S IN TERMS OF HOUSING, WORK AND LEISURE?
By Michael Altis 9C
Background InformationIn Richmond in the early 1900’s there were considerable differences between the poor and rich citizens. This is due to the overall living conditions of the poor and rich citizens in Richmond in the early 1900’s and how different they were.
Background InformationThere was a massive class differences between the poor and rich citizens and this lead to the poor citizens facing disadvantages in their future. The differences between the poor and the rich citizens can be demonstrated in terms of housing, work and leisure.
HousingHousing played a major part in the living conditions of the poor and rich citizens in Richmond in the early 1900’s.
Housing – Poor Citizens In the slums of Richmond Housing was at the bottom of hills so houses
would flood regularly Too small for its tenants with multiple
generations of a family living in a tiny house There was no electricity for light or warmth
as it was too expensive Made up of iron and shipping wood Unsanitary because cleaning was not the
main priority
Housing – Rich Citizens Housing was at the top of hills so houses
would rarely flood Too large for its tenants with a house
regarded as a mansion There was electricity for light and
warmth because rich citizens could afford it
Made up of brick and weatherboard Very sanitary because cleaning was
affordable for the rich citizens
WorkWork was one of the most important factors that determined the living conditions of the poor and rich citizens in Richmond in the early 1900’s.
Work – Poor Citizens No education after primary Earned lower class jobs with hard labour Men and women worked in factories and
women around the house Worked in the slums of Richmond
Work – Rich Citizens Primary and tertiary education Earned higher class jobs with no labour Men worked as doctors and business
men and women worked around the house
Worked in the town of Richmond
LeisureLiving conditions played a good part in pre determining the leisure of the poor and rich citizens in Richmond in the early 1900’s.
Leisure – Poor Citizens Adults had no leisure time because they
worked long hours in order to make a sustainable income
Boys and girls played in the streets and created there own games but would start work very young so this leisure time did not last
Frequently went to church Poor did not associate with the rich
Leisure – Rich Citizens Adults had leisure time and spent it with
there children or watching plays and playing sport like tennis
Boys played sports like tennis and cricket in private courts
Girls acted like ladies and didn’t play as such
Frequently went to church Rich did not associate with the poor
Richmond Slums
Richmond Mansions
ConclusionIt has now been demonstrated through housing, work and leisure that there is a multitude of differences between the poor and rich citizens in Richmond in the early 1900’s.