Agricultural Revolution

Definition

The Agricultural Revolution refers to a period of significant agricultural development that began in the late 17th century and continued into the 19th century, marked by innovations in farming techniques, crop rotation, and livestock breeding. This transformation led to increased food production, population growth, and the eventual shift toward industrialization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Agricultural Revolution introduced new farming technologies such as the seed drill, invented by Jethro Tull, which improved planting efficiency.
2. Innovations like the Norfolk four-course system of crop rotation allowed farmers to maximize yields by alternating between grains and root crops.
3. The increase in food production led to lower food prices, contributing to population growth as more people could be sustained.
4. The movement from communal farming practices to private ownership through enclosure allowed for more intensive farming methods but resulted in social displacement.
5. The Agricultural Revolution laid the groundwork for the Industrial Revolution by creating a surplus labor force as fewer people were needed in agriculture, leading many to seek work in growing urban industries.

Review Questions

• How did innovations during the Agricultural Revolution change agricultural practices and impact society?
  • Innovations like the seed drill and crop rotation significantly enhanced farming efficiency and productivity. As food production increased, communities could support larger populations, which led to urban migration as people left rural areas for job opportunities in emerging industries. This shift not only changed the structure of rural societies but also set the stage for the Industrial Revolution as a surplus labor force became available in urban areas.
• Discuss how the Enclosure Movement was related to the Agricultural Revolution and its effects on rural communities.
  • The Enclosure Movement was a crucial component of the Agricultural Revolution as it transformed common lands into privately owned plots, enabling more efficient farming practices. However, this transition often displaced rural workers who relied on common lands for subsistence. The loss of access to these lands pushed many former agricultural laborers into cities, contributing to urbanization and altering the demographic landscape of England.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Agricultural Revolution on European economies and societies leading up to the Industrial Revolution.
  • The Agricultural Revolution had profound long-term consequences on European economies and societies, serving as a catalyst for the Industrial Revolution. Increased agricultural productivity resulted in surplus food supplies, which lowered prices and supported population growth. The rise in population facilitated labor supply for burgeoning industries. Additionally, innovations in agriculture encouraged advancements in technology and efficiency that were mirrored in industrial practices. This interconnected evolution ultimately transformed Europe’s economic structure from agrarian-based systems to industrialized economies.

Related terms

Enclosure Movement: The process of consolidating small landholdings into larger farms, which led to increased agricultural efficiency but also displaced many rural workers.

Crop Rotation: An agricultural practice of alternating the types of crops grown on a particular piece of land to improve soil fertility and reduce pest infestations.

Selective Breeding: The practice of breeding livestock for specific traits, which enhanced productivity and quality of farm animals during the Agricultural Revolution.