Urbanization and the urban mortality change in Imperial Germany

This analysis assesses urban mortality change in Imperial Germany, when the country was going through a process of accelerated industrialization and urbanization. Urban mortality reached its peak after the middle of the century, thereafter urban mortality improved substantially. The largest cities, particularly in the highly industrialized western parts of the country, registered the strongest decline. A key element in this process was the reduction of mortality from gastrointestinal disorders, affecting almost exclusively infants. Therefore this analysis discusses the impact of selected public health strategies designed to fight high infant mortality rates. Special emphasis is placed on municipal milk supply and infant welfare centres. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.