Agricultural Revolution

Definition

The Agricultural Revolution refers to a period of significant transformation in agriculture, characterized by the transition from traditional farming methods to more efficient, innovative techniques and practices. This period saw the introduction of new crops, improvements in irrigation and plowing techniques, and the adoption of crop rotation, which greatly enhanced food production and supported population growth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Agricultural Revolution led to an increase in food production, which supported population growth and urbanization during the 18th and 19th centuries.
2. Innovations like the seed drill and selective breeding significantly improved crop yields and livestock quality.
3. The shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture allowed for surplus production, enabling trade and economic growth.
4. The use of fertilizers and better irrigation techniques emerged during this time, contributing to more sustainable farming practices.
5. The Agricultural Revolution is often considered a precursor to the Industrial Revolution, as it provided the necessary food supply for a growing labor force in urban areas.

Review Questions

• How did innovations in agriculture during the Agricultural Revolution impact food production and society?
  • Innovations such as the seed drill and crop rotation drastically improved food production efficiency, allowing farmers to cultivate land more effectively. This increased output not only ensured a stable food supply but also facilitated population growth as more people could be fed. As food surpluses became common, many individuals moved to cities for work, leading to significant social changes as urbanization began to take shape.
• Evaluate the effects of the Enclosure Movement on rural communities during the Agricultural Revolution.
  • The Enclosure Movement had profound effects on rural communities by transforming common lands into privately owned fields. While this led to more efficient agricultural practices and increased productivity, it also resulted in the displacement of many peasant farmers who relied on common land for their livelihoods. As a result, many were forced into cities seeking work, contributing to urban growth but also creating social tensions and economic challenges.
• Assess how the Agricultural Revolution set the stage for the Industrial Revolution in terms of economic development.
  • The Agricultural Revolution laid critical groundwork for the Industrial Revolution by enhancing food production through innovations and improved farming techniques. With a surplus of food available, populations grew and more people migrated to urban areas seeking jobs. This shift created a labor force necessary for factories and industrial development. The economic surplus also generated capital that could be invested in new technologies and infrastructure, further driving industrial growth.

Related terms

Crop Rotation:

A farming practice that involves alternating the types of crops grown in a particular area to improve soil fertility and reduce pest and disease buildup.

Enclosure Movement:

The process in England during the 18th and 19th centuries where common lands were privatized and enclosed, leading to more efficient farming but also displacing peasant farmers.

Seed Drill:

An invention by Jethro Tull that allowed for the efficient planting of seeds in well-spaced rows at the proper depth, enhancing crop yields.