Why did high fertility of the early population occur,according to Hughes and Cain (2011)?
A) More than half of the population were at ages where fertility is high-in 1820, for example,the median American was less than 17 years old.
B) A nation composed mainly of farmers and people planning to farm had every reason to create large families.
C) Children can be considered investment goods and the rate of return on a child born to a farm family was relatively high.
D) High fertility occurred due to all of the above reasons.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the reasons provided (A, B, and C) contributed to the high fertility of the early population, according to Hughes and Cain (2011). The young age structure of the population, the importance of large families for agricultural production, and the economic benefits of having children as investments all played a role in promoting high fertility rates.

Why Did High Fertility of the Early Population Occur,according to Hughes