864 B
864 B
Colonial Population Growth Factors
Definition
The economic conditions that promote rapid population increase in colonies, including high wages encouraging marriage, abundant food supporting larger families, and economic opportunities providing incentives for reproduction. These factors create virtuous cycles of growth and development.
Source Chapter
Book IV, Chapter 7
Context
Smith identifies population growth as a key indicator of colonial prosperity, resulting from the favorable economic conditions created by land abundance and labor scarcity. He argues that monopoly restrictions that reduce wages and economic opportunities ultimately limit this beneficial population growth.
Economic Domain
Production