In Quarantine:
Life and Death on Grosse Île, 1832-1937

Educational Resources

Handout 1.1

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Essay Topics

A) Development and Layout of Grosse Île Quarantine Station

Information-Seeking Questions

1. Why was Grosse Île chosen for the quarantine station?
2. How did the epidemic of 1847 challenge the demands on the station?
3. What do you consider to be the most important improvement to the quarantine station after the 1870s? Why?

Essay Questions

1. In your opinion, was Grosse Île the best choice for a quarantine station?
2. Was the response to the epidemic of 1847 appropriate given the circumstances?

B) Epidemics and Immigration

Information-Seeking Questions

1. Were there any clues or evidence hinting that a massive shift in immigration would occur in 1832?
2. What facts can you find indicating that authorities learned a great deal from the experiences of the 1830s and 1840s?

Essay Questions

1. Were the new quarantine procedures adequate as a result of the Quarantine Act of 1832?
2. Do the procedures at the station truly follow those outlined in the Quarantine Act?

C) Staff and Services

Information-Seeking Questions

1. Who initially administered the quarantine station? Why?
2. What were the roles and responsibilities of the medical team and support staff? Prioritize their importance to the effectiveness of the station.

Essay Questions

1. Did the superintendents perform their duties well? Why or why not?
2. Could the dangers of working at Grosse Île have been avoided?

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