Describe and analyze the changes that led Europe’s rapid

population growth in the 18th century.

By:Donn MallariPeriod 4

Background Information

• The changes in Europe were enhanced by the agricultural revolution.

• A large population increase happened during this time.

• Population was increased by new technology allowing for better crops and farming.

• Increase in health care and living standards increased life spans and birth rates.

Population Explosion• Occurred in all parts of Europe.• The basic cause was a decrease in morality, as fewer

deaths occurred in Europe.• Birth rate increased, as well as women producing

stronger babies.• During this time, the bubonic plague disappeared.• A vaccine for smallpox also contributed to lower

death rates, but not in a large margin.• Increase in sanitation or towns, sewers, and water

supplies.

Before the Agricultural Revolution

• Worked to raise food for themselves and their landlords instead of making a profit by selling produce on the markets.

• Relied on ancient tools such as the wooden plow, the hoe, the rake, and the shovel.

• They continued the use of the three-field system (Open-field) which they kept one part of the land unoccupied at any one time.

• They knew very little about fertilizers, crop rotation, and animal breeding.

• Farmers worked hard all day and produced a low amount of crops.

The Agricultural Revolution

• Originated in the Low Countries.• New inventions helped improve farming, the seed

drill, crop rotation, scientific breeding of animals, cast-iron plow, and the self cleaning steel plow.

• The enclosure movement contributed to large-scale farming. (Between 1760-1830)

• Larger noble farm land outgrew small farmer competition.

• People ate more balanced diets, contributing to better overall health.

The Growth of the Cottage Industry

• Many rural area workers had little to no land, which contributed to development of industry in rural areas.

• “The Putting-Out System” was when a merchant would loan out (put out) raw material to cottage workers, who processed the raw material at home and sold the finished product back to the merchant.

• The system was a form of capitalism, because the merchants sought out to make profit and increase capital in their business.

Analyzing the Major Changes of Europe during this time that led

to population increase.• Improvements in health care, eating habits, and

birth rates all are factors in population increase.• The agricultural revolution led to an increase in

food production, which helped support the increase in birth and migration.e

• The growth of the cottage industry allowed for people from rural areas to make money, and acquire land.