Agricultural and Demographic Revolutions in Europe

The Agricultural Revolution

Changes in Farming Practices

• Elimination of Fallow Land: Continuous farming replaced fallow periods.
• Crop Rotation: New crops like potatoes were introduced in rotation cycles.
• New Crops from America: Tomatoes and maize spread across Europe, revitalizing soil and providing fodder.
• Manure as Fertilizer: Livestock manure became a natural fertilizer.
• Iron Tools and Plough Horses: Increased use of iron tools and plough horses improved efficiency.

Increased Productivity (Late 18th Century Onwards)

Agricultural productivity increased due to irrigation, chemical fertilizers, and mechanization (iron ploughs, seed drills, and new harvesting techniques).

Enclosure Acts (1760-1840)

Common land was gradually enclosed and became privately owned. New owners implemented modern farming methods to supply urban markets.

Consequences of the Agricultural Revolution

• Population Growth: Increased food production supported a growing population.
• Industrial Development: Demand for iron tools and machines stimulated the industrial sector.

The Demographic Revolution (1700-1914)

Population Explosion

The European population grew significantly, from 110 million to 450 million. Improved nutrition and reduced death rates, especially infant mortality, contributed to this growth. Life expectancy increased from 30 to 60 years.

Effects of the Demographic Revolution

• Contribution to Industrial Development: Provided the workforce for factories and increased consumer demand for industrial products.
• Redistribution of Population: Surplus farm workers migrated from rural areas to industrial cities (rural exodus). Millions emigrated to America, Asia, and Oceania due to lack of rural work and new urban job opportunities.