Second Agriculture Revolution

Definition

The Second Agricultural Revolution refers to a period of significant agricultural development and innovation that took place in Europe from the 17th to the 19th centuries. This revolution introduced new farming techniques, crop rotation systems, and selective breeding, which increased agricultural productivity and efficiency. The advancements during this time helped lay the foundation for the Industrial Revolution by improving food supply and enabling population growth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Agricultural Revolution marked a shift from subsistence farming to more commercialized agriculture, driven by innovations like seed drills and mechanical reapers.
2. This period saw the adoption of crop rotation methods, such as the Norfolk four-course system, which helped replenish soil nutrients and increase crop diversity.
3. The Enclosure Movement significantly altered land ownership patterns, leading to increased efficiency but also displacing many small farmers.
4. Advancements in technology, including tools like the mechanical seed drill invented by Jethro Tull, drastically improved planting efficiency.
5. The improvements in agriculture during this revolution contributed to a surplus of food, supporting a growing urban workforce that fueled industrialization.

Review Questions

• How did the innovations of the Second Agricultural Revolution change farming practices and impact food production?
  • Innovations from the Second Agricultural Revolution, such as crop rotation and selective breeding, transformed farming practices by increasing efficiency and yields. These advancements allowed farmers to produce more food with less labor, which not only ensured a stable food supply but also led to population growth. This increased agricultural productivity created a surplus that supported urbanization and provided the workforce needed for the Industrial Revolution.
• Evaluate the social implications of the Enclosure Movement that accompanied the Second Agricultural Revolution.
  • The Enclosure Movement had significant social implications as it led to the consolidation of land and displacement of many small farmers who relied on common lands for grazing and subsistence. This shift forced many rural workers into cities in search of employment, contributing to urbanization. While it increased agricultural efficiency and output, it also deepened social divides as wealth became concentrated among larger landowners.
• Discuss how the Second Agricultural Revolution set the stage for the Industrial Revolution and its impact on society.
  • The Second Agricultural Revolution laid crucial groundwork for the Industrial Revolution by creating a surplus of food, which supported a growing urban population. As agricultural advancements reduced labor needs on farms, many people moved to cities in search of work in factories. This migration fueled industrial growth and changed societal structures, leading to new economic models and social dynamics that shaped modern society.

Related terms

Crop Rotation:

A farming practice where different crops are planted in a specific sequence on the same land to improve soil health and maximize crop yields.

Enclosure Movement:

The process of consolidating small landholdings into larger farms, which transformed the agricultural landscape and changed traditional farming practices.

Selective Breeding:

The agricultural practice of breeding plants or animals for specific traits to enhance productivity and yield.