Final answer:
During the nineteenth century, governments and reformers responded to the spread of disease in industrial cities through major reforms, such as the Public Health Act of 1948. These reforms faced opposition from counter-reformers, but eventually, the reformers were successful in implementing changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the nineteenth century, governments and reformers responded to the spread of disease in industrial cities through various measures. One major reform was the Public Health Act of 1948, which introduced major and effective reforms aimed at improving public health. These reforms were met with opposition from counter-reformers, such as rich landlords and representatives of water companies, who felt their financial interests were threatened. The counter-reformers often denied the existence of the problem and ridiculed the reformers. Despite this opposition, the reformers were eventually able to implement significant changes.