Ep 2. The 1870s

In Victorian Slum House season 1 episode 2 titled "The 1870s," viewers are transported back to the late 19th century to witness the harsh realities of life for the working class in London.

The series follows a group of modern-day families who are tasked with living in a simulated Victorian slum for several weeks. In each episode, they are assigned different eras in the slum's history, and must adapt to the challenges and struggles faced by their ancestors.

In this particular episode, the families are living in the slum during the 1870s – a time of great upheaval and change in Britain. At this point in the country's history, the Industrial Revolution was in full swing, and many people were flocking to the cities in search of work.

As the families settle in to their cramped and squalid living quarters, they begin to learn about the different jobs and industries that were prevalent during the 1870s. They discover that many people in the slum were employed in the textile mills that dotted the area, and that work in these mills was grueling and dangerous.

Viewers watch as the families are put to work in the mills, learning how to operate the machinery and how to deal with the harsh conditions. They also learn about the long hours and low pay that were characteristic of these jobs, and come to understand the struggles faced by their ancestors.

Throughout the episode, the families also explore the social and political landscape of the 1870s. They learn about the rise of the trade union movement, which sought to improve working conditions for laborers, as well as the women's suffrage movement, which fought for women's rights and equality.

As they delve deeper into the history of the time, the families begin to understand how the struggles of their ancestors helped to shape the world they live in today. They come to see the importance of working together to create change and to stand up for their rights – lessons that are just as relevant in the modern world as they were in the 1870s.

Overall, Victorian Slum House season 1 episode 2 offers a fascinating look into life in a Victorian slum during one of the most turbulent periods in British history. Through the trials and tribulations faced by the families, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the daily struggles faced by their ancestors – and come away with a renewed appreciation for the progress that has been made in the centuries since.