The 1720s in England was a time of great population growth. The population had previously been kept in check by illness and disease, but started to rise in the 1720s and would nearly double by the end of the century. World trade was still booming and London was becoming more populated and dense each day. 

In A Modest Proposal, Swift discussed the population of England. He proposed methods for ensuring poor children are fed and clothed without being a burden. He estimates the breakdown of the population relating to children and babies.

"Of these I calculate there may be about Two hundred thousand Couple whose Wives are breeders, from which number I Substract thirty Thousand Couple whose Wives are Breeders; from which Number I subtract thirty thousand Couples, who are able to maintain their own Children"

"I fortunately fell upon this Proposal; which, as it is wholly new, so it hath something solid and real, of no Expence and little Trouble, full in our own Power; and whereby we can incur no Danger in disobliging England"