The large increase in the human population after the Industrial Revolution can be attributed to several key factors:
-
Advancements in Medicine: The Industrial Revolution brought about significant improvements in medicine and public health, leading to lower mortality rates. Vaccines and better sanitation practices helped reduce the spread of diseases.
-
Agricultural Improvements: Innovations in farming techniques and technology, such as the introduction of machinery and crop rotation, led to increased food production. This surplus in food supply supported larger populations.
-
Urbanization: The Industrial Revolution prompted migration from rural areas to cities in search of work. Urbanization contributed to economic growth and improved living standards, allowing families to sustain larger households.
-
Economic Growth: The growth of industries and the economy provided more jobs and resources, which contributed to better living conditions and an overall increase in the birth rate.
-
Decline in Infant Mortality: Improvements in living conditions and healthcare significantly reduced infant mortality, allowing more children to survive to adulthood.
These factors combined created a population boom, resulting in a dramatic increase in the global human population during and after the Industrial Revolution.