Question: What was one reason for the high birthrate in farm families during the eighteenth century? Question options: Infant mortality was extremely high, and only through near-continuous births could any living offspring be assured. Women were becoming increasingly independent and bolstered their power by rearing numerous children. The popularity of celibacy was on the decline, due to an increase in religious toleration. The independence of the small farmer depended to a great degree on the labor of children in his family.