Eighteenth-century Population Growth

Question 1

Explain how the changes in agricultural production methods contributed to population growth after 1700

Answer 1

The rise in food supply contributed to England and Wales’ rapid population expansion, from 5.5 million in 1700 to over 9 million by 1801, while local production gave way progressively to food imports in the 19th century when population more than quadrupled to over 32 million.

Question 2

What medical advances contributed to population growth during this time?

Answer 2

Many medical advances were made, which contributed to an increased lifespan, and less birth-related deaths.

Question 3

How might the use of child labour in the early days of the Industrial Revolution have encouraged families to have more children?

Answer 3

It helped lift them of some burdens