Final answer:
Rapid population growth in Dawson led to housing and food shortages, famine conditions, and environment degradation, as the city's infrastructure could not support the expanding population.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dawson faced several problems as a result of rapid population growth. One major issue was housing and food shortages due to an overwhelming increase in the number of people. The city's infrastructure was unable to keep pace with the rapid expansion, leading to inadequate housing conditions and a strain on food supplies. Additionally, the shift from agriculture to the cultivation of cash crops further exacerbated famine conditions, leaving the population vulnerable to shortages and starvation.
Furthermore, British economist Thomas Malthus observed that populations tend to increase geometrically, while food supplies grow arithmetically, suggesting that without controlling population growth or significantly increasing food production, poverty and famine are inevitable. Finally, rapid urbanization brought about by population growth led to environment degradation and psychological stress, as cities were not prepared for the influx of individuals, resulting in poor living conditions and a lack of green spaces.