Enclosure movement
Definition
This was a process in England during 18th century where fencing or hedging large blocks of arable land were done for experiments with new farming methods. It led to increased productivity but also caused displacement of small farmers.
Analogy
Imagine if your local park, where everyone used to play freely, was suddenly fenced off and only a few people were allowed in. That's what the enclosure movement did - it took common land and made it private.
Related terms
Common Land: Land owned collectively or by one person, but over which other people have certain traditional rights, such as to allow their livestock to graze upon it.
Privatization: The transfer of ownership, property or business from the government to the private sector.
Land Reform: The process of changing laws, regulations or customs regarding land ownership.
"Enclosure movement" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (11)
Which of the following was a significant consequence of the enclosure movement in agricultural practices?
What impact did the enclosure movement have on agricultural production in Europe?
What was a significant impact of the enclosure movement on the rural population in Europe?
What was an impact of Britain's Enclosure Movement on the social structure that aligns with Marxist critiques?
What was one major result of the enclosure movement in England around this time?
How did Britain's enclosure movement contribute toward industrialization between the years of 1648–1815?
The enclosure movement that took place during European economic development primarily served what purpose?
What would most likely be the result if the Enclosure Movement in England during the 18th century had never occurred?
What was an immediate effect of the Enclosure Movement in England during the eighteenth century?
What might have been one outcome if the enclosure movement had not become prevalent in England during the 18th century?
What was a key result of the Enclosure Movement in 18th-century England?
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