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The Agrarian Revolution
INTRODUCTION:
The ‘Agrarian Revolution’ refers to the series of significant changes in
agricultural that took place primarily in Britain from the 17th to the 19th century, although its
roots to go back even further. This revolution transformed traditional farming practices,
leading to increased agricultural productivity, land ownership restructuring and ultimately
paving the way for the Industrial Revolution. It marked the shift from subsistence farming to
a more commercial and capital-intensive Agricultural system.
BACKGROUND AND CAUSES:
Prior to the Agrarian Revolution, agricultural in Europe, especially in
England was based on the open filed system. Land was divided into stripes and farmed by
peasant using traditional tools and communal decision making. However, by the 16 th century
population growth and urbanization increased, the demand for food. This pressure
Key feature that triggered the revolution:
Rise in population demanding more food.
Growth of towns and markets, encouraging commercial agriculture.
The need for surplus production to support industrial development
Introduction of new farming techniques and tools
The enclosure movement, which privatized consolidated lands.
Major features of the agrarian revolution.
Enclosure movement: -
Common lands where fenced and consolidated into individual farms.
Encouraged more intensive farms. Displaced many small farmers and many small farmers
and rural labour, forcing them into cities.
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Scientific farming methods: -
Jethro Tull’s seed drill improved seed placement and reduced waste.
Crop rotation system [four-field system] preserved soil fertility.
Use of selective breeding [Robert bakes well] improved livestock
quality.
Introduction of fertilizers and drainage for better land use.
Mechanization: -
Early use of machinery began during this period. The mechanical reaper ploughs and
threating machines improved productivity.
Commercial agriculture: -
Farming shifted from subsistence to market-oriented production.
Surplus food was sold not just consumed.
Agriculture became part of capitalist enterprise, with landlords
investing for profits.
Social and economic impact: -
Positive effects: -
Increased food production helped support a growing population.
Led to the industrial revolution by freeing labourers from farms.
Helped develop transportation (canals, roads) to move agricultural
goods.
Stimulator rural and urban trade.
Negative effects: -
Small farmers were displaced, causing rural poverty and urban
migration.
Loss of communal rights and traditional village life.
Widening gap between rich landlords and poor labours.
Relation to the industrial revolution: -
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The Agrarian Revolution laid the foundation for the Industrial Revolution in
several ways: freedom labour from agriculture, feeding the factories. Provided raw materials
like wool and cotton. Created capital for Industrial investment. Encouraged urban growth
due to rural migration.
Conclusion: -
The Agrarian Revaluation was a transformatics period in agricultural history. It
revolutionized farming techniques land ownership and food production, triggering profound
economic and social changes in Britan white it laid the ground work for modern agriculture
and Industrialization, it also brought about equality and displacement. Its long-lasting legacy
can be seen in todays mechanized and commercialised farming system.
