Europe's Population Rollercoaster in the 16th and 17th Centuries

Population Trends in Early Modern Europe

16th Century: Growth to ~100 Million

• Improved agriculture (crop rotation, new crops).
• Expanding trade and commerce.
• Relative peace (few large-scale wars).

17th Century: Decline to ~85 Million

• Thirty Years' War (1618–1648): Devastated Central Europe.
• Plague Outbreaks: Recurrent bubonic plague (though less severe than 14th century).
• Other Diseases: Smallpox, typhus, influenza.
• Famines: Caused by crop failures and war disruption.

Recovery began in the 18th century with the Agricultural Revolution and declining mortality.