Some population problems in pre-industrial Sweden

Abstract

The causes of the great increase in population which occurred in Western and Northern Europe during the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century have for a long time attracted great interest. The increase began too early to be explained simply as a result of the changes in methods of production, especially in industry; nor can it be wholly regarded as a cause of industrialization. There is no a priori answer to the question whether a large increase in population will lead to increased production and to increased effective demand for goods and services, or whether it will merely result in a lower standard of living for large masses of the population; many different factors will affect the outcome.