1900 MAJOR CAUSES OF DEATH

At the turn of the century the birth rate was 32.3 per thousand and the death rate per thousand persons was 17.2. In 1900 less than 100 people were killed by an automobile accident, surely the lowest statistic of the century. Unfortunately there were approximately 115 lynchings.

Below is a list of the leading causes of death for 1900. Note most of the causes have declined significantly with the exception of cancer,influenza/pneumonia, suicide and heart disease,all of which are still on today's list. Gastrointestinal diseases were those linked to tainted food or poor sanitation. Stroke, Alzheimer's and diabetes didn't even make the list in 1900, but are now in the top 10.

The average male life expectancy was 46 years for men and 48 years for women. Even with deaths for childbirth accounted for, men's more dangerous professions lead to a lower male life expectancy.



CAUSES OF DEATH (per thousand deaths)

Heart and Kidney disease	345
Influenza/Pneumonia	202
Tuberculosis	194
Gastrointestinal diseases	143
Cancer	64
Diphtheria	40
Typhoid	31
Malaria	19
Measles	13
Whooping Cough	12
Suicide	10
Appendicitis	7
Childbirth	6