Consequences of Improved Living Conditions in 1700s Europe

Effects of Rising Living Standards in 18th-Century Europe

• Population Growth: Doubled from ~120M (1700) to ~240M (1800) due to better nutrition, sanitation.
• Urbanization: Rural-to-urban migration for economic opportunity; city expansion.
• Social Structure Change: Rise of bourgeoisie and working class; feudal hierarchy eroded; meritocracy grew.
• Trade & Commerce Expansion: Higher demand for goods/services; colonial markets boosted growth.
• Cultural/Scientific Advancement: Enlightenment emphasized reason, science, progress; breakthroughs in medicine, physics, math, astronomy.