Topic 10: European Population Growth and Changing Society
Population grew in late 18th century.
Disease became less common in 1700’s.
oPeople became more immune to illness; they did nothing to purposefully become
immune.
oRats with Bubonic Plague were replaced by other rats that did not carry the
disease.
oSmallpox was less common.
Scientific Revolution: scientists created vaccines for smallpox; given
small amount of illness to become immune to it.
Vaccine begins to be used by bourgeoisie and upper class; more
educated people.
Lower class was less knowledgeable and trustworthy to the idea of being
given a small amount of smallpox to become immune to it. They were
eventually influenced to use it because of its use in the higher classes.
Supply of food; better nutrition.
oHealthier women meant healthier babies.
oMore food meant less starvation.
Organization of agriculture.
oBefore, only certain fields were used for crops, and some were left empty so they
may become fertile again.
oUsed crop rotation: planted crops in every field, but planted different crops
instead of the same one every season. Some crops supplied nutrients to the soil,
and other took nutrients.
oFood increases within a year by 50%.
oLow class wanted to keep their traditional methods, but was eventually
influenced by higher classes that used crop rotation.
oSeed drill: drilled holes into a neat line, and planted one seed in each hole.
Before, farmers used broadcasting: throwing seeds across the field.
Some plants had to be cut when a cluster of them grew together, so
seeds were wasted.
oMore food for animals meant more meat for people and more fertilizer for soil.
oFields began to be enclosed with fences. This made it easier to keep track of
livestock and manage the field.
oPotatoes: more were planted; good for vitamins A and C; first used as simply
animal food.
Potatoes and turnips were not native to Europe.
Manufactured goods produced.
oMore textiles, cloth, blankets and especially clothing were needed for the growing
population.
Townspeople wove and threaded yarn.
