Population growth is affected by domestic and by international events that impact birth rates and domestic and international migration patterns.

This chart shows decade over decade population growth for New England set in the context of major twentieth century events. Population growth slowed in the early part of the century because of the geopolitical and economic uncertainty created by World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. However, with victory in hand, economic recovery underway, and thousands of men returning from war, population boomed during the late 1940s through the mid 1960s in an era coined the “Baby Boom.” As the smaller generation born in the depression became the main child bearers, the baby boom turned “bust.” Moreover, the rising female labor force participation, increased ease of contraception and access to abortions amplified this decline in fertility. The 1980s, however, gave rise to the “echo boom” as baby boomers started having children of their own.