ASH 3002y Reading Assignment
March 24, 1999
The American Multiplication Table
During this seminar meeting, we'll approach early national America from a demographic perspective, using both traditional and web-based materials. This is not my area of expertise; I'll be counting on the sociologists in the class to help us understand this material.
I'd like you to look at the following materials:
First, an introduction to historical demography: E. A. Wrigley, "Historical demography" and "The size of populations," in Population and History (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1969) 7-59. (On reserve at Butler Reserves HB881 .W7; there are also several other copies in the library system.)
Then, read Benjamin Franklin's comments on American demographics: "Observations Concerning the Increase of Mankind, Peopling of Countries, etc.," (1751)
Then, look at this modern example of demographic history: Michael R. Haines, "Fertility and Marriage in a Nineteenth-Century Industrial City: Philadelphia, 1850-1880," Journal of Economic History 40.1 (Mar. 1980): 151-158.
Next, go to the United States Historical Data Census Browser and browse. Explore the site a bit.
Finally, come up with a question to ask using the census browser. Formulate a query, and put a link to the results on your webpage. Be prepared to tell the class briefly what your query was and what results you obtained.