2. [AP 1999] During the 1950's many Western European nations experienced
a. a significant rise in unemployment rates
b. strict governmental controls over the size of families
c. rapid increase in the birth rate
d. rising mortality rates due to deterioration in health care
e. acute poverty due to a series of food shortages
To answer this multiple-choice question, we can go through each option one by one and eliminate the incorrect answers.
Option a. a significant rise in unemployment rates: This option does not align with the statement "many Western European nations experienced" during the 1950s. This was a period of economic growth and recovery for most Western European nations after the devastation of World War II, so rising unemployment rates are unlikely. Let's eliminate this option.
Option b. strict governmental controls over the size of families: This option does not address the statement "many Western European nations experienced" during the 1950s. There were no widespread governmental controls over family sizes during this period in Western Europe. Let's eliminate this option.
Option c. rapid increase in the birth rate: This option aligns with the statement "many Western European nations experienced" during the 1950s. This period is commonly referred to as the "baby boom" era, with a significant increase in birth rates in Western European countries. However, let's check the remaining options before concluding.
Option d. rising mortality rates due to deterioration in health care: This option does not align with the statement "many Western European nations experienced" during the 1950s. There was a general improvement in health care during this period, and mortality rates were declining. Let's eliminate this option.
Option e. acute poverty due to a series of food shortages: This option does not align with the statement "many Western European nations experienced" during the 1950s. While there were some food shortages right after World War II, Western European countries recovered economically during the 1950s, and acute poverty due to food shortages was not a significant issue. Let's eliminate this option.
After considering all the options, we can conclude that the correct answer is:
c. rapid increase in the birth rate.