Paper
To what extent was there a revolution in British agriculture
between 1750 and 1815? The Oxford English Dictionary defines the
word "revolution" as "any fundamental change or reversal of
conditions". In the context of British Agriculture between 1750 and 1815
there was a change but it was slow and really a continuation of improvements
which go back much further. To call these changes "revolutionary" is
probably misguided. However, there was a gradual dissemination of new ideas and
methods. The factors which brought about the greatest changes in the existing
system were the adoption of new farming techniques, machines and methods and
the enclosure of open fields. New farming techniques consisted of
improvements in crop rotation, soil fertilisation, and selective breeding
allied with the development of new machinery. Four names are commonly
associated with these innovations; Jethro Tull (1674-1741) is best remembered
for the invention of the seed drill which planted in rows rather than
broadcasting, thus allowing hoeing between the rows. (Tull’s book
"Horse-Hoeing Husbandry was published in 1733.) Charles Townshend
(1674-1738) introduced marl – a mixture of clay and lime – to his sandy Norfolk
estates. He advocated the use of turnips as fodder as an addition to traditional
rotational crops. Robert Bakewell (1725-1795) pioneered selective breeding and
developed quick-fattening sheep for mutton. Thomas Coke (1752-1842) set out to
educate farmers in new methods. He initiated agricultural shows and encouraged
his tenant farmers to improve their methods by granting them long leases. The
real achievement of all of them was the publicity their innovations attracted. These new ideas spread slowly. Many had
originated in Holland and taken root in Norfolk and the eastern counties. There
was however a marked difference between the east and west of England. The
potential for progress was greater on the eastern sandy soil. In the west the
lighter soil was found on higher ground and once it could be fertilised cereals
could be grown there more cheaply than on the heavy clays of the lowland areas
which required more labour-intensive ploughing. On lower ground the working
season was shorter, root-crops did not grow as well, and it was too wet for
livestock in winter. During the 18th century there was a marked expansion into
formerly barren uplands while the clay lowlands were turned to grass, providing
more land for fattening and dairying cattle which would previously have been
slaughtered at the beginning of the winter. This in turn meant fresh rather
than salted beef. Improved methods of manuring also improved crop yields. New
crops such as turnips, root vegetables and legumes like clover, sanfoin,
trefoil and lucerne meant that more stock could be kept, producing more dung
which improved soil fertility. Soil was dressed with clay-marl, sand, or chalk,
depending on the soils natural deficiencies. Near the coast seaweed was used,
near textile-centres waste rags, around Sheffield bone and horn waste from
making cutlery handles, and from the large cities came the street sweepings and
the contents of privies. In 1750 much of the British countryside was
farmed by an open field system. This suited a system geared to subsistence
farming. Large open fields were divided into strips either owned by freeholders
or rented from the local squire by tenants. However, open field farming was
wasteful. It often meant long walks between a farmer’s different parcels of
land and the loss of acreage to paths and tracks among the fields. It
encouraged the spread of weeds and plant diseases. Fields were susceptible to
damage from unfenced animals which also made selective breeding impossible. This open field system was not found
everywhere. Enclosure meant joining the strips of open field to make larger compact
pieces of land. Half the country was already enclosed, especially the areas
catering for the markets of large cities such as London. Some farmers had
bought or exchanged land in order to facilitate enclosure. The extent of this
enclosure is difficult to document as opposed to the later Parliamentary
enclosures which were the climax of the transformation of British agriculture.
There were two great periods of enclosure -the 1760s and ’70s and the period of
the Napoleonic Wars from 1793-1815. In both cases the timing was due to the
opportunities for greater profits due to high cereal prices and the initiative
was taken by large landowners. Prior to 1740 most land was enclosed by
agreement between the major landowners but where smaller landowners opposed it
an Act of Parliament had to be obtained. After 1750 this became the accepted
practice. However, obtaining an Act of Enclosure could be a lengthy and
expensive procedure. The effects of enclosure were both economic
and social. Enclosure facilitated new agricultural methods and led to more land
under cultivation. It enabled livestock farming to work in tandem with arable
farming and encouraged selective breeding. However, it meant a decline in the
number of small landowners and cottagers and many farm labourers left for the
industrialising cities. This migration away from the land was compensated for
by the increased volume and regularity of employment for those who remained.
There was still little labour saving machinery and enclosure meant work putting
up fences and hedges, building new farms, and making roads to transport the
increased volume of produce. The numbers engaged in agriculture rose from 1.7
million in 1801 to 2.1 million in 1851, but this did not match the increase in
agricultural output. This meant that farm labourers were becoming more
productive, which coupled with the rise in population, released workers from
the land. When assessing the changes in agriculture
between 1750 and 1815 it is also important to look at its relationship with
industry. In fact there were no direct links – both helped each other. True,
the growth in population created a greater demand for agricultural products but
at the same time farmers embraced new methods and often helped to finance
improved transport systems which allowed them to feed the workers of the
ever-expanding industrial cities. Landowners exploited the mineral deposits
under their land, or used it for developing urban estates. Money was also moved
from country banks to the cities. At the same time some industrialists invested
in agriculture, sensing the possibility of high profits. In conclusion it can be seen that in as
much as there was an agrarian revolution between 1750 and 1815 it was a slow
one, and a continuation of earlier changes. There was a diffusion of new ideas
, but it was hindered by the considerable regional differences in agricultural
practice. However, the uniquely English system of landholding was well suited
to change. Large landowners had the capital to invest in innovation. It was in
the interest of the tenant-farmers to change their existing methods and there
was a large rural labour force on hand to carry out the changes. The end of the
open field system and the enclosure of previously unusable land meant that
during this period the acreage of cultivable land increased. Finally, all this
meant that agriculture was able to sustain the increased demand for food caused
by the growth in population, while itself reaping some of the rewards of The
Industrial Revolution. (1233 words.) SOURCES.
Другие работы по теме:
Pros Of Green Revolution Essay Research Paper
With the rapid growth of our global population pouring into the next millennium, we will witness an ever-growing hunger rate around the world. That is unless we call for a revolution on the global
British Mercantilism Essay Research Paper Whether British
British Mercantilism Essay, Research Paper Whether British mercantilism had any effect on the occurrence of the American Revolution is a many years disputed question of historians. There are many questions that need to be asked before you can decide this ultimate question. Ex: Did the Navigation Acts hold back the growing American economy or did they help boost the American economy with a sure market for all America s products? Or, were the Navigation Acts unfair quests asked of Britain? Many historians have answered these questions, during different time periods, and all with new outlooks and reasons for their opinion.
The Industrial Revolution Essay Research Paper The
The Industrial Revolution Essay, Research Paper The industrial revolution My view of the industrial age started in the 1700 A positive effect of the industrial revolution was the greatly enhanced labor productivity brought about by the mechanization of production processes (and the resulting widespread adoption of coal or water power factory-based manufacturing).
Revolutionary War 2 Essay Research Paper The
Revolutionary War 2 Essay, Research Paper The British lost and the Americans won the Revolutionary war. Though this is true there are arguments that the British lost the war more than the Americans won it. The Americans were under the control of the British and the Americans at first did not even have the intention of independence.
Impacts On The American Revolution Essay Research
Paper Many things contributed to the American Revolution besides the American people themselves. Some influential ideas that contributed to the Revolution are Enlightenment ideas. The Enlightenment thinkers behind these ideas are John Locke, and Voltaire. Economics also had I major impact on the American Revolution.
The Industrial Revolution Essay Research Paper I
The Industrial Revolution Essay, Research Paper I. Industrial Revolution A. Around the middle of the eighteenth century, Europeans began to substitute machines for human labor on a large scale.
The Revolutionary Trend Essay Research Paper In
The Revolutionary Trend Essay, Research Paper In every revolution, there seems to be a few guidelines that it must follow. It seems that almost all revolutions, in their radical phases, tend to have the characteristics of excessive cruelty, extreme violence, and denials of the rights of freedom. But the question that befuddles many is why they always become this way.
The American Revolution Essay Research Paper The
The American Revolution Essay, Research Paper The colonists living in America had enjoyed relative freedom from England since they arrived. They came to the New World, after all, to escape England, for whatever reasons they may have had?religious, economic, or social. So when England decided in the eighteenth century that they were going to crack down on the colonies, the announcement was not met with open arms.
BioTechnology Essay Research Paper The shortterm future
Bio-Technology Essay, Research Paper The short-term future of biotechnology in production agriculture looks bleak. The unattractive truth is that economics, not science can play a larger role in the future of biotechnology.
Samuel Adams Essay Research Paper 427Revolutionary America
Samuel Adams Essay, Research Paper (427) Revolutionary America was an extraordinary time. The Revolution changed many unsuspecting men into heroes; our founding fathers. One of these men was Samuel Adams, a man with unsurpassed dedication and the political intellect to make a difference in America s revolution.
The American Revolution Essay Research Paper What
The American Revolution Essay, Research Paper What does the Sugar Act of 1764, the Stamp Act and Quartering Act of 1765; the Townsend Duties of 1767, the Boston Massacre, the Gaspee incident, and the Intolerable Acts have in common? They were all reasons for Americans to declare their independence from Great Britain.
The American Revolution Led To The French
Revolution Essay, Research Paper The French had many problems during the American Revolution. These problems started when the French agreed to give the Americans supplies. The Americans thanked them but the French did the wrong thing for their country. They gave a lot of their supplies that they needed at home to the Americans.
Nathan Hale Essay Research Paper Nathan Hale
Nathan Hale Essay, Research Paper Nathan Hale When a country is in time of need, certain individuals rise among their people and take control, thereby becoming martyrs and heroes. During the American Revolution the colonies were in great need of leaders, and Nathan Hale stepped up and succeeded. Hale served as lieutenant and captain in the colonies’ Continental army.
American Revolution Essay Research Paper Many factors
American Revolution Essay, Research Paper Many factors influences the American rebellion known as the American Revolution. Though political influences existed, the American Revolution was primarily an economic rebellion, because of conflict over taxation and representation in Parliament. The colonists had strong beliefs that the English government was unfair and often tyrannical.
Major Battles Of The American Revolution Essay
, Research Paper The American Revolution began on April 19, 1775, when British soldiers and American patriots clashed at Lexington, Massachusetts, and at nearby Concord. The war lasted eight years. It ended on September 3, 1783, when Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, which gave independence to the United States.
Ndustrial Revolutions Effects On Europe Essay Research
Paper name = Justin Katz email = TRipLeZeR0@juno publish = yes subject = Europe History title = Industrial Revolutions effects on Europe papers = The Industrial Revolution had an overall positive effect on Europe. This
Americans Essay Research Paper From 1763 Americans
Americans Essay, Research Paper From 1763, Americans had only to be convinced that an arbitrary ruler-whether Parliament or King-was violating their inherent rights, to feel that rebellion was justified. This conviction was bred in them by the series of events that occurred between 1763 and 1776. The language used to protest the British Acts was legal, and political.
Nathan Hale Essay Research Paper NATHAN HALENathan
Nathan Hale Essay, Research Paper NATHAN HALE Nathan Hale was born on July 6,1755 in Coventry, Connecticut. Nathan Hale was one of the most famous and renowned hero?s of the American Revolution. Nathan Hale graduated from Yale and became a teacher at age 18. His spirit and patriotism earned him a position as lieutenant in the Continental Army.
George Rogers Clark Essay Research Paper George
George Rogers Clark Essay, Research Paper George Rogers ClarkGeorge Rogers Clark was a famous war hero who commanded important victories over the British troops in the Northwest territories during the American Revolution. In the year of 1752, a boy named George Rogers Clark was born in Charlottesville, Virginia.
John Doe Essay Research Paper French Revolution
John Doe Essay, Research Paper French Revolution “Revolutions evolve in definite phases. At first they are moderate in scope, then they become radical to excess and finally they are brought to abrupt conclusions by the emerg…
Women And The Agricultural Revolution Essay Research
Paper Analytical Summary: Women and the Agricultural Revolution Elise Boulding in her article, Women and the Agricultural Revolution, argues that women played a key role in initiating the Agricultural Revolution. She defines the
The American Revolution Political Economic Or
Social? Essay, Research Paper The American Revolution: Political, Economic, or Social? The American Revolution was a pivotal turning point in the history of our country. It stands as the beginning of our freedom and is what installed in people the belief that they should and must stand up for themselves as well as others when they feel fit.
American Revolution Essay Research Paper The American
American Revolution Essay, Research Paper The American Revolution was largely economic and political in nature. The political reasons were that England neglected the colonies, taxation without representation and limitation of individual rights and privacy. Then there was the most important side the economic.
England Industrial Revolution Essay Research Paper First
England Industrial Revolution Essay, Research Paper First British Industrial Revolution The manufacture of military munitions and the development of a home market were critical underpinnings of the first industrial revolution in Britain. Military manufacturing supported by the British Government contributed directly to technological innovation and spurred industrialization.
British Mercantilism In The New World Essay
, Research Paper British Mercantilism in the New WorldAlthough the purpose of establishing British colonies in the New World was to set up a mercantilist system that would feed the mother country, this is not what actually transpired. The mercantilist system was very popular among imperial European countries.
War Of 1812 Essay Research Paper The
War Of 1812 Essay, Research Paper The war of 1812 was one of eight that our country has fought in. This war left us with a loss of people, property, and money. It was started over many things. One of the reasons was the British impressment of American soldiers.
Benedict Arnold Essay Research Paper SS 9
Benedict Arnold Essay, Research Paper S.S 9 L.G 10 Benedict Arnold Benedict Arnold was one of the important figures in the American Revolution. He began as a patriot, and soon later married a loyalist. Benedict
Benedict Arnold Essay Research Paper Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold Essay, Research Paper Benedict Arnold ARNOLD, Benedict (1741-1801). The name Benedict Arnold has become a synonym for a traitor to one’s country. In the first years of the American Revolution, however, Arnold was a brilliant and dashing general, highly respected for his service to the patriot cause (see Revolution, American).
British War Essay Research Paper Gregg GiassonUS
British War Essay, Research Paper Gregg Giasson U.S. History Period B !! YOU ARE THERE !! The most important event in U.S. History in my opinion would be Washington s escape from the British Army at New York. This event changed the course of U.S. History because it was the closest the movement for freedom came to being crushed.