Question

Suggest and explain at least five reasons as to why the world population began to grow so rapidly in the 1950's.

Answer 1

Ans: The rate of population depends upon the birth rate and death rate. If birth rates are more than death rate then it is likely that population increases. Data shows that as of 1950 the population which was around 2.5 billion at that time increased to 6.9 billion by 2010 and is estimated to keep increasing. The following reasons could generalize the idea of how population increased:

• Rapid decrease in death rate as a result of industrial revolution.
• Medical facilities started developing and was available to most population.
• Urbanization and industrial inputs availability like fertilizers leading to high crop yields and thus greater food availability.
• Prior to 1950s where many peoples lost their lives in world war 2. After the conflicts stopped the death rate decreased and economic growth started booming as a result of wartime efforts to maintain the health of people's from industrialized countries to small developing countries. For eg in US, baby boom started as people's developed a sense of confidence in their economy and started having more kids.
• Migration began for better living standards.
• Gradual advancement in agricultural technology.
• Development of medicines against diseases, etc.