Agricultural Revolution
Definition
The Agricultural Revolution refers to the significant changes in farming practices that occurred during the 18th and early 19th centuries in Europe. These changes, which included crop rotation and selective breeding of livestock, led to a massive increase in food production.
Analogy
Think of the Agricultural Revolution like upgrading from an old flip phone to a modern smartphone. Just as new technology made phones more efficient and capable, new farming techniques dramatically increased productivity and changed agriculture forever.
Related terms
Four-field rotation system: The four-field rotation system is a method of farming that involves dividing land into four sections or fields. Different crops are grown on each field every year in a rotating sequence, which helps maintain soil fertility over time.
Medieval two-field crop rotation system: The medieval two-field crop rotation system was a farming method used during the Middle Ages where farmland was divided into two parts. One part would be planted with crops while the other lay fallow (unused) for a year to restore its fertility.
Enclosure Movement: The Enclosure Movement was another key aspect of the Agricultural Revolution where open fields were fenced off into individual plots. This allowed for more efficient farming but also caused social upheaval as many peasants lost access to common lands.
"Agricultural Revolution" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (5)
AP European History - 3.3 Continuities and Changes to Economic Practice and Development from 1648-1815
AP European History - 3.4 Economic Development and Mercantilism
AP European History - 5.2 The Rise of Global Markets
AP European History - 6.1 Contextualizing Industrialization and Its Origins and Effects
AP European History - 6.2 The Spread of Industry Throughout Europe
Practice Questions (20+)
- What contributed to the Agricultural Revolution in the 16th and 17th centuries?
- What contributed to the increase in food production during the Agricultural Revolution?
- Which factor played a significant role in the Agricultural Revolution?
- What impact did the Agricultural Revolution have on the Industrial Revolution?
- Which technological advancement played a significant role in the Agricultural Revolution?
- What effect did enclosure have on farming during the Agricultural Revolution?
- What role did new crops play in the Agricultural Revolution?
- Which of the following made the Lincolnshire Longwool sheep an important contributor to the Agricultural Revolution?
- Which of the following factors contributed to the Agricultural Revolution in Britain during the late 18th century?
- Which system did England successfully transition to during the Agricultural Revolution?
- What agricultural revolution took place in Europe during the 18th century?
- If the Agricultural Revolution hadn't happened in Britain, how could it impact Europe's economic landscape during this period?
- Which 18th-century societal shift was primarily driven by the Agricultural Revolution?
- Which group was primarily responsible for initiating the Agricultural Revolution in Europe during the 18th century?
- What was a major demographic trend during Europe's Agricultural Revolution in the 18th Century?
- Who benefited most from the Agricultural Revolution in Europe?
- What was a significant effect of the Agricultural Revolution on 18th-century European society?
- What was a major consequence of the population increase in Europe during the Agricultural Revolution?
- How did changing social dynamics during Europe's agricultural revolution influence global trade patterns?
- Who was responsible for passing laws leading to agricultural revolution paving way for industrial revolution in Great Britain ?
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