Second Agricultural Revolution

Definition

The Second Agricultural Revolution refers to a period of significant agricultural development that took place between the 17th and 19th centuries, marked by innovations in farming techniques and tools. This revolution improved food production and efficiency, leading to increased agricultural yields and the beginnings of a more commercialized farming system, which laid the groundwork for subsequent industrialization and urbanization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Agricultural Revolution is often associated with the introduction of new agricultural tools, such as the seed drill invented by Jethro Tull, which improved planting efficiency.
2. This period saw the shift from subsistence farming to more market-oriented agriculture, allowing farmers to sell surplus crops for profit.
3. The implementation of selective breeding practices during this time led to improved livestock varieties, enhancing meat, milk, and wool production.
4. Agricultural advancements contributed to population growth in Europe, as better food supplies supported larger communities and urban migration.
5. The Second Agricultural Revolution played a crucial role in setting the stage for the Industrial Revolution by creating a surplus labor force as fewer workers were needed on farms.

Review Questions

• How did the innovations introduced during the Second Agricultural Revolution impact farming practices?
  • Innovations such as crop rotation and new machinery fundamentally changed farming practices during the Second Agricultural Revolution. These advancements led to increased efficiency and higher crop yields, allowing farmers to produce more food than ever before. As a result, agriculture transitioned from traditional methods to more systematic approaches, which helped support growing populations and laid the groundwork for modern farming techniques.
• Evaluate the social consequences of the Enclosure Movement in relation to the Second Agricultural Revolution.
  • The Enclosure Movement was significant during the Second Agricultural Revolution as it transformed land use patterns in England. By privatizing common lands, larger agricultural operations emerged, leading to increased productivity. However, this also resulted in social consequences such as the displacement of small farmers who lost access to land. This displacement contributed to rural depopulation as many sought employment in growing urban areas, highlighting the interconnectedness of agricultural changes and social shifts during this period.
• Analyze how mechanization during the Second Agricultural Revolution influenced economic structures and labor dynamics in Europe.
  • Mechanization during the Second Agricultural Revolution greatly influenced economic structures by increasing productivity and enabling economies of scale in farming. As machines replaced manual labor for tasks like planting and harvesting, fewer workers were needed on farms. This shift not only led to a surplus labor force but also triggered migration towards cities in search of work, fueling urbanization and contributing to the Industrial Revolution. The overall economic impact was transformative as agriculture became a more efficient industry while reshaping labor dynamics across Europe.

Related terms

Crop Rotation:

A farming practice where different crops are planted in a specific sequence to improve soil fertility and crop yield.

Enclosure Movement:

The process in England during the 18th century where common lands were privatized, leading to increased agricultural efficiency but also displacing small farmers.

Mechanization:

The introduction of machinery into agriculture, which significantly increased productivity and changed the nature of farming.