Why might life have been hard for the people of the time​

Explanation:

I would say one of the rather harder centuries of at least American history would be 1900-2000. Well, clearly their multiple things to be taken into consideration. We know that there was a great depression, many wars America took place in, and there was still a dispute against colored people and noncolored people. You may take into consideration  1800-1900, but if you think about it, there weren't as many major controversies. There were more major problems during the 20th century which is why I think living in the 20th century would be very difficult.

an era of negotiation.

is that an answer to your question?

billygate was not one of the scandals