The line graph illustrates changes in the total population of England and Wales between 1700 and 2000, alongside variations in birth and death rates over the same period.
Overall, the population increased dramatically, especially after 1800. In contrast, both birth and death rates fluctuated, with death rates generally declining and remaining below birth rates, which explains the steady population growth.
In 1700, the population stood at around 5 million. It rose gradually to about 10 million by 1750, then fell slightly around 1800. After that, population growth accelerated sharply, reaching approximately 25 million in 1900 and peaking at about 50 million by 2000.
Regarding vital rates, the birth rate increased from roughly 30 per 1,000 people in 1700 to a peak of around 40 in 1750, before declining steadily to about 25 by 1950. It then rose slightly again towards 2000. Meanwhile, the death rate followed a downward trend overall, falling from about 27 per 1,000 in 1700 to roughly 20 by the end of the period.
In summary, sustained population growth was mainly driven by birth rates remaining consistently higher than death rates.