Perhaps few people are aware of the powerful impact the Protest Reformation had on life expectancy in Europe.

Prior to the 16^th century European Reformation, virtually the entire world was poor including all of Europe. Andrew Bernstein, adjunct professor of philosophy at Pace University, writes:

Most people forget that pre-industrial Europe was vastly poorer than contemporary Africa and had a much lower life expectancy. … In parts of France, in the middle of the 17^th century, only 58% reached their 15^th birthday, and life expectancy was 20. In Ireland, life expectancy in 1800 was a mere 19 years. In early 18^th century London, more than 74 percent of the children died before reaching the age of five.

Then a dramatic change occurred through Europe. The population in England doubled between 1750 and 1820, with child­hood mortality dropping to 31.8 percent by 1830. something hap­pened that enabled people to stay alive.*

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