Enclosure movement

Definition

The enclosure movement was a significant agricultural transformation in England during the 18th and 19th centuries, characterized by the consolidation of small landholdings into larger farms, which were then enclosed with fences or hedges. This shift from communal to private farming altered agricultural practices, increased productivity, and led to significant social changes, including rural depopulation and urban migration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The enclosure movement began in the late medieval period but accelerated during the 18th century, driven by agricultural advancements and rising demand for food.
2. Enclosures often displaced peasant farmers, forcing many to migrate to urban areas in search of work as industries expanded.
3. By privatizing common lands, landowners increased efficiency and productivity, contributing to a surplus in agricultural production that supported population growth.
4. The movement led to social tensions as traditional rural communities were disrupted, resulting in protests and resistance from those who lost access to common resources.
5. The enclosure movement played a key role in laying the groundwork for the Industrial Revolution by creating a labor force available for factories in growing urban centers.

Review Questions

• How did the enclosure movement impact agricultural practices and productivity in England?
  • The enclosure movement transformed agricultural practices by consolidating small farms into larger, enclosed estates. This allowed landowners to implement new farming techniques and crop rotation methods more effectively, leading to increased productivity. As common lands were privatized, farmers could focus on more profitable crops and livestock, resulting in higher yields and contributing to a surplus that supported population growth.
• What social consequences did the enclosure movement have on rural communities in England?
  • The enclosure movement had significant social consequences for rural communities, including displacement of peasant farmers who lost access to common lands. Many individuals were forced to migrate to cities in search of work as enclosures disrupted traditional agricultural livelihoods. This shift not only altered community structures but also led to a rise in urban populations, contributing to social changes such as increased labor supply for emerging industries.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the enclosure movement on the development of industrialization in England.
  • The long-term effects of the enclosure movement significantly shaped the development of industrialization in England by creating a large labor force that migrated from rural areas to urban centers. As traditional agrarian lifestyles were disrupted, displaced workers sought employment in factories, which fueled industrial growth. The increased agricultural productivity also ensured food security for urban populations, allowing more people to engage in industrial work rather than farming, thus accelerating the transition towards an industrialized economy.

Related terms

Agricultural Revolution: A period of technological advancements and innovations in farming practices that increased crop yields and productivity in the 18th century.

Common lands: Lands that were collectively used by local communities for grazing livestock and growing crops, which were affected by the enclosure movement.

Landowners: Individuals or families who owned large estates and benefitted from the enclosure movement by consolidating land for more profitable farming.