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The Demographic History of Colonial New England

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  • Smith, Daniel Scott

Abstract

The central fact of the demographic history of early North America is rapid growth. Both Canada and the white population of the English colonies experienced increases of 2½ percent per year during the eighteenth century. Seventeenth-century rates, beginning from a low base and more influenced by immigration, were even higher. In contrast, the expansion of population in early modern Europe rarely exceeded 1 percent per annum over an extended period. Since Franklin and Malthus, interpretations of early American demography have centered on the high fertility associated with near universal marriage for women at a low average age. The extremely youthful population, high dependency ratio, and one of the largest mean census family sizes ever recorded all follow from the high level of fertility.

Suggested Citation

  • Smith, Daniel Scott, 1972. "The Demographic History of Colonial New England," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 32(1), pages 165-183, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jechis:v:32:y:1972:i:01:p:165-183_07
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    Cited by:

    1. Eric H. Wilhelm, 2024. "Settlement growth and military conflict in early colonial New England 1620–1700," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 57(3), pages 435-464, June.
    2. Robert W. Fogel, 1986. "Nutrition and the Decline in Mortality since 1700: Some Preliminary Findings," NBER Chapters, in: Long-Term Factors in American Economic Growth, pages 439-556, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. James S. CICARELLI, 2016. "Philosophical Origins of Seventeenth Century American Economic Thought," Journal of Economic and Social Thought, KSP Journals, vol. 3(2), pages 179-195, June.

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