What did Thomas Malthus argue regarding population growth during the Industrial Revolution?

Thomas Malthus, an influential economist and demographer during the Industrial Revolution, put forth the idea that population growth has the potential to exceed the rate at which food supply can grow. He argued that while populations tend to increase geometrically, or exponentially, food production tends to increase arithmetically, or linearly. This fundamental mismatch, in Malthus’s view, would inevitably lead to situations where the number of people would surpass the available resources necessary to sustain them.

In his writings, particularly "An Essay on the Principle of Population," Malthus warned that if left unchecked, population growth could lead to significant societal issues, particularly famine, disease, and war. He believed these factors served as natural checks on population growth, ultimately preventing overpopulation from overwhelming food supply. The insight he provided was noteworthy during the Industrial Revolution, as rapid urbanization and industrialization were resulting in significant population increases.

This understanding of Malthus's perspective on the relationship between population and food supply highlights the societal implications during that era. It helps to elucidate why his theories gained traction amid the significant social and economic changes occurring during the Industrial Revolution.