How did the introduction of potatoes from the New World affect Europe?
Potatoes fueled population and urbanization growth across Europe The introduction of potatoes from the New World fundamentally altered European agriculture and demographics. The study found that potatoes provided significantly more calories and nutrients per acre than traditional staples, leading to massive increases in food supply. This agricultural efficiency contributed to 25% of the population and 27-34% of the urbanization growth across the Old World between 1700 and 1900, a trend that heavily impacted Europe.
- Effect
- Strong positive
- How direct
- 2 steps, all reported
- When
- Over the long term
- The story
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How it reaches Europe
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A study by Nathan Nunn and Nancy Qian explored the introduction of potatoes from the New World to the Old World. The research concluded that potatoes were responsible for 25% of the population growth and 27-34% of the urbanization growth in the Old World between 1700 and 1900. The study noted that potatoes provide significantly more calories and nutrients per acre than staple crops like wheat, oats, or barley.
The full event1independent outlet -
The study found that potatoes provided more calories, vitamins, and nutrients per acre than any other staple crop. For example, 1.4 acres of barley provided less energy than 0.5 acres of potatoes, meaning potatoes provided 240% more energy per day than wheat on the same land.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- theboar.org Oct 6
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collectively Africa, Asia and Europe
Everything about Old World -
The study attributes 25% of the population and 27-34% of the urbanization growth in the Old World between 1700 and 1900 to potatoes. Early European consumption was noted in Spain in 1573 and in England in 1596.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- theboar.org Oct 6
-
terrestrial continent located in north-western Eurasia
Everything about Europe
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- 25% of the population and 27-34% of the urbanization growth in the Old World between 1700 and 1900 is attributable to potatoes.theboar.org
- Potatoes provide 240% more energy per day than wheat on the same land.theboar.org
- The first evidence of European potato consumption was in Spain, at a hospital in 1573.theboar.org
- It took 150 years for potatoes to undergo widespread cultivation in Europe.theboar.org
Why it matters
The ability of the potato to provide high caloric density on minimal land was a critical factor in supporting the massive demographic shifts of the early modern era. Without these agricultural gains, the study suggests the Industrial Revolution in Europe may have been delayed or prevented due to constraints on population and productivity.
While other New World staples like maize were introduced, they were often nutritionally insufficient or less calorie-efficient. The full impact of the potato was amplified when combined with milk, which filled crucial micronutrient gaps like vitamin A and calcium, forming a highly effective diet capable of sustaining rapid population growth.
What we don't know yet
- How did the rate of potato adoption vary across different European countries?
- What was the specific impact of the potato-milk combination on regional health outcomes in Europe?
What would change this answer
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Reporting
- theboar.orgOct 6
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