alternatehistory.com

In 1800 France was largest country in western Europe with 29 million people. Germany had 22 million, Italy 17 million and UK 10,5 million. By 1914 French and British populations were equal at 40 million while Germany had 56 million people. By 1940, France was surpassed by Germany, UK and Italy. Only after the war stagnation in french growth has reverted and as for now, France has 65 million people, compared to 82 million for Germnay, 62 for UK and 60 for Italy.

So, what if french population growth kept up through 1800 - 1940 with that of Germany, with number of French people reaching about 75 million by 1914 and 95 million by 1940?

I am aware that rate of population growth is tied to country's history and conditions. For example, was losses are blamed for minimal french growth between 1914 and 1940. However Germany suffered large casualties in Great War as well, yet continued to grow afterwards. So low french growth rate seems to be rather effect of their society.
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