Why were rural areas more populated than urban areas until the 1800's?

Most food was grown on small family farms before machinery took the place of human labor.

Since we had few machines, there were few factories and therefore not many jobs in cities.

Could it be most folks worked and lived on farms? Transportation of food and supplies was not well advanced to get things to cities.

To understand why rural areas were more populated than urban areas until the 1800s, we need to consider several factors that influenced population distribution during that time.

1. Economic Structure: Before the 1800s, most economies were based on agriculture. Rural areas were primarily agricultural regions, where people relied on farming, livestock, and natural resources for their livelihoods. These areas provided a sustainable and self-sufficient way of life, with ample land for cultivation and access to natural resources such as water, forests, and fertile soil.

2. Lack of Industrialization: Industrialization, which led to the growth of urban areas, didn't gain substantial momentum until the late 18th century. Before this period, urban areas were limited in their economic activities and opportunities. They served mainly as centers of commerce and governance, while rural areas catered to agricultural production.

3. Limited Transportation: Adequate transportation infrastructure was crucial for the growth of urban areas. Until the 1800s, transportation networks were underdeveloped and primarily relied on natural waterways like rivers and coasts. The lack of efficient transportation systems made it challenging for urban areas to flourish, as they depended on rural areas for the supply of goods and raw materials.

4. Disease and Sanitation: Until the 1800s, cities faced significant challenges related to public health and sanitation. Overcrowding, inadequate sewage systems, and limited access to clean water sources made urban areas more susceptible to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. This increased mortality rates and discouraged population growth in urban centers.

5. Social Structures: Traditional social structures and cultural norms often kept people tied to rural areas. Family ties, land inheritance, and agricultural traditions were strong incentives for individuals to remain in rural communities and continue their generational way of life.

In summary, the dominance of rural areas over urban areas until the 1800s can be attributed to the economic reliance on agriculture, the lack of industrialization, limited transportation, health challenges in urban environments, and the influence of societal and cultural factors that tied people to rural communities.