This introduction covers Setting the Scene within Germ Theory for GCSE History. Revise Germ Theory in Medicine Through Time for GCSE History with 8 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 1 of 16 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📖 Setting the Scene
For centuries, doctors believed disease was caused by "bad air" (miasma) or imbalanced humours. Then in 1861, French scientist Louis Pasteur proved something revolutionary: microorganisms — invisible tiny living things — caused decay. And if germs caused decay, could they cause disease? By 1878, German doctor Robert Koch had proved exactly that, identifying specific germs for specific diseases. The 2,000-year-old miasma theory was dead. Medicine would never be the same.
Pasteur & Germ Theory - BBC Teach (5 mins) Robert Koch - Simple History (6 mins)
Practice questions for Germ Theory
In which year did Louis Pasteur publish his Germ Theory?
What did Pasteur's swan-neck flask experiment disprove?
Quick recall flashcards
What is Germ Theory?
The theory that specific microorganisms (germs/bacteria) cause specific diseases — published by Pasteur in 1861
When did Pasteur publish Germ Theory?
1861