Enclosure Movement

Definition

The Enclosure Movement was a process in England during the 18th and early 19th centuries where common land was transformed into privately owned land, effectively restricting access to the general public. This movement played a critical role in reshaping agricultural practices, leading to increased efficiency and productivity but also displacing many small farmers and laborers. It paved the way for larger agricultural enterprises and contributed to significant social and economic changes during the Agricultural Revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enclosure Movement began in the late Middle Ages but accelerated dramatically during the 18th century as parliament passed numerous enclosure acts.
2. Enclosures often resulted in larger, more efficient farms while simultaneously leading to the eviction of many small-scale farmers who relied on common lands for their livelihoods.
3. The movement contributed to rural depopulation as displaced agricultural workers migrated to urban areas in search of work, fueling industrial growth.
4. The practice of enclosing land helped to facilitate new agricultural techniques, including crop rotation and selective breeding, which improved yields significantly.
5. The Enclosure Movement is often seen as a precursor to modern agricultural practices and laid the foundation for the rise of capitalism in rural England.

Review Questions

• How did the Enclosure Movement affect small farmers and rural communities in England?
  • The Enclosure Movement had a profound impact on small farmers and rural communities by converting common land into privately owned properties. Many small farmers were forced off their ancestral lands and lost access to resources they depended on for survival. This displacement led to significant social upheaval, as former rural workers sought employment in growing urban centers, drastically changing the demographic landscape of England.
• Evaluate the relationship between the Enclosure Movement and the Agricultural Revolution in terms of agricultural productivity.
  • The Enclosure Movement was closely linked to the Agricultural Revolution, as it allowed for more organized and intensive farming practices. By consolidating land into larger farms, landowners could implement new agricultural techniques such as crop rotation and selective breeding more effectively. This shift not only increased productivity but also marked a transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, ultimately transforming the economy of rural England.
• Synthesize how the social changes resulting from the Enclosure Movement contributed to urbanization and industrialization in England.
  • The social changes brought about by the Enclosure Movement were significant in driving urbanization and industrialization in England. As small farmers were displaced from their lands, many migrated to cities looking for work. This influx provided a labor force necessary for the burgeoning factories during the Industrial Revolution. Additionally, as agriculture became more efficient through enclosures, fewer workers were needed on farms, further accelerating this trend toward urban living and industrial employment.

Related terms

Common Land: Land that was owned collectively by a community, where members had rights to graze animals, gather firewood, and cultivate crops.

Agricultural Revolution: A period of significant agricultural development that saw innovations in farming techniques, crop rotation, and selective breeding, which boosted food production.

Tenant Farming: A system where farmers work land owned by someone else in exchange for a share of the crop or a fixed rent.