Q:Describe and analyze the economic, cultural, and social changes that led to and sustained Europe's rapid population growth in the period from approximately 1650-1800.
Leading up to and through 1650-1800, many changes such as economic opportunity, the agricultural revolution, and a heightened awareness of health led to a larger and longer lasting population in Europe.
When the economy began to open up, more jobs were available and people were thus more capable of living longer. In the agricultural revolution beginning in 1500 and continuing to the 1800s, all family members were given an opportunity to contribute labor. Men, women, and children, no matter what age, were allowed to go out and work in fields. Extra labor and payment benefitted families with a little extra money. Similarly, when the industrial revolution rolled around 1760, women were given extra labor rights to work in the home producing goods through the cottage system or in the increased textile business. The increase in available jobs meant that every family was not only getting paid more, they had a little more security about job stability. Having a steady job meant that families were able to financially support himself or herself in purchasing food or paying for a home.
Another benefit that resulted from the agricultural revolution was that it provided a greater amount of food, that was not only in abundance but more healthy. The agricultural revolution yielded new inventions such as the seed drill, crop rotation, and enclosurement. These inventions made sure that there were fewer crop failures and more consistent harvests. Also, around 1855, when steel was able to be mass-produced, animal labor became easier and faster. The agricultural revolution created an abundance of healthy crops that the peasant or worker’s diets did not include. The revolution’s supply of healthy food at a time when the population was low allowed health to increase, and reduced famines, allowing for a population boom.
Finally, during this time period, people were becoming much more aware of health issues, and were able to live longer. In the enlightenment and scientific revolution during the 16th century, philosophers such as Andreas Vesalius and William Harvey examined the body and found out more about how it worked and how to maintain it. In the 1700’s, Mary Montagu, a researcher, brought back a version of a smallpox immunization to Europe from the Middle East. In 1796, Edward Jenner perfected the vaccine enough to administer it in Europe. During this time, smallpox was a major disease that killed one third of those infected with it. Ultimately, all of the introductions for health and discovery of healthy food allowed for Europe’s population to boom, as well as sustain itself.
As a result of better living standards, agricultural inventions, and increase in health discoveries, the population boom from 1650-1800 was fostered and sustained.
When the economy began to open up, more jobs were available and people were thus more capable of living longer. In the agricultural revolution beginning in 1500 and continuing to the 1800s, all family members were given an opportunity to contribute labor. Men, women, and children, no matter what age, were allowed to go out and work in fields. Extra labor and payment benefitted families with a little extra money. Similarly, when the industrial revolution rolled around 1760, women were given extra labor rights to work in the home producing goods through the cottage system or in the increased textile business. The increase in available jobs meant that every family was not only getting paid more, they had a little more security about job stability. Having a steady job meant that families were able to financially support himself or herself in purchasing food or paying for a home.
Another benefit that resulted from the agricultural revolution was that it provided a greater amount of food, that was not only in abundance but more healthy. The agricultural revolution yielded new inventions such as the seed drill, crop rotation, and enclosurement. These inventions made sure that there were fewer crop failures and more consistent harvests. Also, around 1855, when steel was able to be mass-produced, animal labor became easier and faster. The agricultural revolution created an abundance of healthy crops that the peasant or worker’s diets did not include. The revolution’s supply of healthy food at a time when the population was low allowed health to increase, and reduced famines, allowing for a population boom.
Finally, during this time period, people were becoming much more aware of health issues, and were able to live longer. In the enlightenment and scientific revolution during the 16th century, philosophers such as Andreas Vesalius and William Harvey examined the body and found out more about how it worked and how to maintain it. In the 1700’s, Mary Montagu, a researcher, brought back a version of a smallpox immunization to Europe from the Middle East. In 1796, Edward Jenner perfected the vaccine enough to administer it in Europe. During this time, smallpox was a major disease that killed one third of those infected with it. Ultimately, all of the introductions for health and discovery of healthy food allowed for Europe’s population to boom, as well as sustain itself.
As a result of better living standards, agricultural inventions, and increase in health discoveries, the population boom from 1650-1800 was fostered and sustained.