2nd Agricultural Revolution

Definition

The 2nd Agricultural Revolution refers to a period of significant agricultural development that occurred between the 17th and 19th centuries, marked by innovations in farming techniques and equipment. This era saw the introduction of crop rotation, selective breeding, and new machinery like the seed drill, which greatly increased agricultural productivity and efficiency. These advancements laid the groundwork for the subsequent Industrial Revolution by enabling a surplus in food production and supporting a growing urban population.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 2nd Agricultural Revolution introduced new farming techniques such as crop rotation and selective breeding, which dramatically improved yields.
2. Innovations like the seed drill and mechanical reaper reduced the labor needed for farming while increasing the amount of land that could be cultivated.
3. The agricultural surplus created during this period enabled a population boom, as fewer people were needed to produce food, allowing more to migrate to cities for industrial work.
4. Advancements in agriculture led to significant changes in land ownership patterns, particularly through the Enclosure Movement, which transformed common lands into private properties.
5. The improvements in agriculture played a crucial role in supporting the Industrial Revolution by providing the necessary food supply for an urban workforce.

Review Questions

• How did the innovations during the 2nd Agricultural Revolution contribute to changes in rural society?
  • Innovations during the 2nd Agricultural Revolution led to significant shifts in rural society by increasing agricultural efficiency and productivity. With advancements such as crop rotation and new machinery, fewer farmers were needed to cultivate larger areas of land. This shift caused many small farmers to lose their livelihoods due to the Enclosure Movement, prompting them to migrate to cities in search of work, thus transforming the social landscape from agrarian communities to urban centers.
• Evaluate the impact of the 2nd Agricultural Revolution on food production and population growth.
  • The 2nd Agricultural Revolution had a profound impact on food production by introducing innovative techniques that significantly boosted crop yields. With methods like selective breeding and crop rotation, farms could produce more food with less labor. This agricultural surplus directly contributed to population growth as fewer deaths occurred due to famine. Additionally, healthier diets supported higher birth rates, resulting in rapid population increases that provided labor for emerging industries.
• Analyze how the changes brought about by the 2nd Agricultural Revolution set the stage for the Industrial Revolution.
  • The changes introduced during the 2nd Agricultural Revolution set the stage for the Industrial Revolution by creating a robust agricultural base that could support a growing urban workforce. The increase in food production meant fewer workers were required on farms, prompting migration towards cities. As populations swelled in urban areas, there was heightened demand for goods and services, which led entrepreneurs to invest in industrial ventures. Furthermore, advancements in agricultural technology not only provided food but also inspired innovations in machinery that would be repurposed for industrial uses.

Related terms

Crop Rotation:

A farming practice involving the alternating of different crops in a particular sequence on the same land to improve soil fertility and reduce pest buildup.

Enclosure Movement:

The process of consolidating small landholdings into larger farms, leading to increased efficiency but displacing many small farmers.

Seed Drill:

An invention by Jethro Tull that allowed for the efficient planting of seeds in neat rows at the correct depth, improving germination rates and crop yields.