Final answer:
The early 1900s in New York City saw the implementation of strict disinfection and cleaning practices as part of a broader public health initiative that aimed to combat the spread of disease in an increasingly urbanized environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the early 1900s in New York City, a system of strict disinfection and cleaning practices was outlined to prevent the spread of disease. This was part of a broader public health movement that believed in the link between cleanliness and disease prevention. As cities grappled with the challenges of urbanization and industrialization, they enacted various laws and ordinances to improve sanitation and public health.
For instance, physician Joseph Lister's discovery of the disinfecting properties of carbolic acid brought about critical changes in clinical settings. His protocols dramatically lowered post-surgical infections, establishing a foundation for cleanliness in medical practices. Hygiene became a focus in homes and public spaces, with London rebuilding its sewer system after the Great Stink and New York City establishing the Sanitary Commission. The urgent need for these actions, even before the mechanisms of contagion were fully understood, highlighted the intersection of health and urban development during this era.