Since 1950, Europe has experienced slower population growth than that of North America and Asia. In some parts of Eastern Europe and Russia, there has been a decline in population in recent years. Name and describe 3 explanations for Europe's population trends since 1950. For example, in the United States, there was a large population increase beginning in the 1950s as a result of economic prosperity after WWII. Growth was facilitated by the G.I. bill, which allowed for returning veterans to get loans to purchase homes or to pursue a college education.