What was the foundational idea of the Enclosure Movement during the 18th century? 🔊
The foundational idea of the Enclosure Movement during the 18th century was to convert common land, which was once accessible to all for farming and grazing, into privately owned parcels. This shift allowed landowners to increase agricultural efficiency and productivity by consolidating land and implementing more intensive farming techniques. However, it also resulted in dispossession of commoners, who lost their traditional rights to use land for subsistence. The movement contributed to rural depopulation as displaced people moved to cities seeking work, ultimately fueling the industrial revolution. This transformation laid the groundwork for modern agricultural practices and capitalist economies.
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