During the 19th century, the one drug, other than alcohol, that affected large numbers of Americans was:
A. marijuana.
B. methamphetamine.
C. cocaine.
D. opium.
im confused between A and D
http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/library/studies/cu/cu1.html
opium
To determine the correct answer, we need to examine the historical context and the impact of each drug during the 19th century in America.
A. Marijuana: While marijuana was used in various forms for medicinal and recreational purposes during the 19th century, it did not have a broad societal impact on large numbers of Americans during this time.
B. Methamphetamine: Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, was not prevalent or widely used during the 19th century in America. It gained popularity much later, during the mid-20th century.
C. Cocaine: Cocaine was introduced as a medical substance in the 19th century and was used in many patent medicines and tonics. However, its impact on large numbers of Americans was relatively limited during this time.
D. Opium: Opium was widely available and commonly used in various forms during the 19th century. It was used both for medicinal purposes and recreationally, leading to widespread addiction and social problems. The opium trade was significant and played a notable role in American history, particularly due to the Opium Wars in China. Opium dens were notorious, and its impact on American society cannot be overstated.
Therefore, the correct answer is D. opium, as it affected large numbers of Americans during the 19th century.