Population Dynamics: Trends and Transitions in Rich and Poor Countries
Population Dynamics: Trends and Transitions
Evolution of the Population in Rich Countries
Phase of Long-Demographic Stability (Until Mid-17th Century)
Until the mid-17th century, the population increased very slowly. Families used to have an average of five children, but many died during their first year. Crops were unsafe, and famine, epidemics, and wars were raging. Life expectancy was around 40 years.
Phase of Demographic Revolution – Population Increase (Mid-17th Century)
The Industrial Revolution
Read MorePrehistory and History of the Iberian Peninsula
Prehistory and the Old Age in the Iberian Peninsula
Hominization Process: New Findings
Prehistory encompasses the period from the origin of humans until the advent of writing. A central theme in archaeology is the process of humanization, tracing the evolution leading to Homo sapiens. Prehistorians analyze fossils and tools to understand this process.
Hominization originated in Africa. Australopithecus, dating back 5-6 million years, evolved into Homo habilis around 2.5 million years ago. Homo habilis
Read MoreEvolution and Transformation of Spanish Tourism
1. Traditional Tourism Model (1960s)
Introduced as “sun and sand” tourism, this model focused on a large volume of budget travelers, primarily targeting beaches. External factors contributing to its rise include post-war economic growth in Western and Northern Europe, leading to a larger middle class with disposable income for leisure. Internal factors include Spain’s proximity to European markets, excellent natural resources (especially beaches), cultural attractions, low costs due to currency devaluation,
Read MoreThe Industrial Revolution: A Socioeconomic Transformation
1. The Dawn of a New Era
1.1 The Demographic Revolution
Since the mid-18th century, the European population experienced significant growth, a phenomenon known as the demographic revolution. This profound change was primarily driven by increased food production and, to a lesser extent, advancements in hygiene and medicine. Improved nutrition made people more resistant to diseases, contributing to a decline in mortality rates and an increase in life expectancy, from 38 years in the late 18th century
Read More19th Century Catalonia: Migration, Agriculture, and Industrialization
19th Century Catalonia
Migration
Types of Migration
- Internal Migration:
- Rural-urban migration, particularly during the 19th century.
- Center-periphery movement, especially from north to south, towards industrial centers like Catalonia.
- External Migration: Primarily to the Americas (especially from southern Spain).
Population Growth in 19th Century Catalonia
Catalonia’s population grew from 500,000 in 1787 to 900,000 in 1787 and reached 1.9 million by 1900. This rapid growth led to increased internal and
Read MoreThe Industrial Revolution: A Transformative Era
Demographic and Agricultural Revolutions
Demographic Revolution
Beginning in mid-eighteenth-century Europe, an organic growth process started. Increased food production, improved hygiene, and advancements in medicine led to reduced mortality and a slight increase in the birth rate.
Agricultural Revolution
Population growth increased demand for food, resulting in higher agricultural prices. Privatization of land and new cultivation methods and techniques emerged. Land became private property. Innovations
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