Although Unified Growth Theory presumes the existence of the Maltusian mechanism in pre-industrial England recent empirical studies challenged this assumption. This paper studies the interaction of vital rates and real wages in the period from 1540 to 1870 in England. We employ time-varying...

Argues that on the basis of evidence of British soldiers there was a threat of a Malthusian crisis on the eve of the Industrial Revolution.

Presents an overview of the various conceptualizations of the Industrial Revolution and comes to the conclusion that it is useful to consider the Industrial revolution as an escape from the Malthusian constraints.

Argues that the Industrial Revolution occurred at a time when the demographic system ceased to be Malthusian.