Figure 1.--Italy unlike Germany had a high birth rate, but the Fascists also had programs to promote having more babies. Here we have a photo taken in 1938 somewhere in the suburbs of Milan. We see a devoted Fascist with a suitably large family. Father cwanted to make a point so obviously everyone is well dressed.

We are not sure about ancient or medieval times, but in the modern era, Italy has a perennially high birth rate. Italians as a result were notable for large families. High infant mortality rates and the need for labor were factors. The reason for that is that agricultural societies tend to have high birth rates and Italy into the 20th century had an important agricultural sector. Only Italy was unusual for having a major agricultural sector, but was not self-sufficient in food production. Italy had to import food, especially grains needed for bread and pasta. This was a factor in the substantial emigration that began in the mid-19th century to America and other countries. The United States was a largely Protestant country, but its founding principle of religious freedom began drawing Catholic immigrants. The first was the Irish because of the Potato Famine (1840s), but the most important were the Italians (1870s). Americans were impressed with the size of immigrant Italian families, most of whom had rural origins. Another factor was that Italy was a Catholic country and the Church promoted large families. Mussolini's Fascists also promoted large families, primarily with because of the desire to build larger armies. The NAZIs in Germany were birth rates were falling also promoted large families. There were patriotic awards and cash payments for having babies. Neither had much success, but the Italian birth rate was higher than in Germany. Birth rates began to decline after World War II as more Italians moved into the cities. Urbanization was a major facror. Once off the farm, as in other countries and employed in industry and other urban occupations. As demographer Peter Zeihan constantly says, in the city, children go from free labor to expensive sometimes bothersome luxuries. Italy has, however, gone further in the other direction than most other countries, one of the lowest birth rate's in Europe, a continent filled with countries that has low birth rates. Like much of Europe, the Italian population is greying and greying at a rapid pace. In fact, the birth rates or so low that observers are beginning to wonder about the future existence of Italy. It is not clear why birth rates in Italy has fallen so far below other countries. One gfets the imoression of 'la dolce visa' does not include 'bambinos'.

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Created: 5:50 PM 4/4/2024
Last updated: 5:51 PM 4/4/2024