Study title

The lack of a recent summarizing description of population density in Germany that contains detailed information of pre-industrial times motivated the author of this study to undertake an analysis of population history of Northern Germany between 1740 and 1840. The goal of the study is to analyze the development of population regarding different aspects of population history and historical demographics. The author tries to connect geographic data with family data and then he relates it with economic, political and cultural development. The main part of the study ‘population dynamics’ gives an overview over demographic developments in a century characterized by demographic changes. Insights in the general changes in population size, the phases of Northern German population development and in relevant components for increases in population (e.g. decrease in mortality) are given. Finally the population determinants are developed, first in a concrete regional historic context of some areas (Marsch, nordwestliches Binnenland, Münsterland, Ostwestfalen, Ostelbien) and then more general external factors are included in the analysis. The generative structure of pre-industrial population, the industrial development, seasonal work and colonization are covered. There is an extra chapter on the development of urban population which includes the factors: urbanization, decrease in mortality, first signs of birth controls and migration. These regional considerations are opposed to an investigation of the general framework of demographical changes. In this context also grain prices and prevention from smallpox are taken into account. Systematic of the data: Sub-regions: 1. Holstein 2. The Hanseatic cities 3. Mecklenburg and Wester Pomerania 4. Prussia’s middle provinces 5. Core area of Lower Saxony 6. Weser-Ems-Area 7. Westphalia Topics: 1. Births (excl. still births) 2. Deaths (incl. still births) 3. Still births 4. Marriages 5. Illegitimate births 6. Infant and...