Agricultural Revolution

Definition

The Agricultural Revolution refers to the significant transformation in agricultural practices that began in the 18th century, leading to increased productivity and changes in land use. This period marked a shift from traditional subsistence farming to more efficient, commercial agriculture through advancements such as crop rotation, selective breeding, and new tools, ultimately laying the foundation for modern farming techniques and influencing social and economic structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Agricultural Revolution led to a significant increase in food production, which supported population growth and urbanization.
2. New farming technologies like the seed drill, invented by Jethro Tull, allowed for more efficient planting and better crop yields.
3. Advancements in livestock breeding, particularly with cattle and sheep, improved the quality of meat and wool available for consumption and trade.
4. The shift towards larger farms resulted in a decline in the number of small farms, contributing to social changes as many displaced farmers moved to cities for work.
5. This revolution laid the groundwork for the Industrial Revolution by providing surplus food and labor necessary for growing industries.

Review Questions

• How did the Agricultural Revolution change farming practices and impact society during this period?
  • The Agricultural Revolution transformed farming practices through innovations like crop rotation and selective breeding, which improved yields and efficiency. This shift allowed farmers to produce surplus food, supporting population growth and urban migration as people moved to cities for work. The increased productivity also led to changes in social structures, as larger commercial farms replaced smaller subsistence farms.
• Discuss the role of the Enclosure Movement in the context of the Agricultural Revolution and its effects on rural communities.
  • The Enclosure Movement was a key factor in the Agricultural Revolution as it involved consolidating common lands into private plots. This allowed landowners to implement more efficient agricultural practices but also displaced many small-scale farmers who relied on common lands for grazing and cultivation. The movement led to significant social upheaval as these displaced farmers migrated to urban areas in search of work, contributing to rapid industrialization.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Agricultural Revolution on modern agriculture and society.
  • The long-term consequences of the Agricultural Revolution are profound, as it set the stage for modern agricultural practices that emphasize efficiency and productivity. The innovations developed during this period continue to influence contemporary farming methods, such as precision agriculture and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Additionally, the societal shifts initiated by this revolution laid the groundwork for industrial societies, fundamentally altering human settlement patterns, labor dynamics, and economic systems.

Related terms

Crop Rotation: A farming practice that involves alternating the types of crops grown in a specific area across different seasons to improve soil health and maximize yields.

Selective Breeding: The process of breeding plants or animals for specific genetic traits to enhance desirable qualities, such as size, yield, or disease resistance.

Enclosure Movement: A historical process in England where common lands were enclosed into private plots, leading to increased agricultural efficiency but also displacing many peasant farmers.