Rank 1 phenomena for 1-relator and deficiency 1 groups

Abstract

We examine second bounded cohomology and mod p homology in finite index subgroups of 1-relator groups and groups with a presentation of deficiency at least one. We use this to determine exactly which 1-relator groups are boundedly generated, as well as the groups of deficiency at least one up to a class of groups that conjecturally do not exist.