Increased Agricultural Productivity: The adoption of new farming techniques, mechanization, and advancements in crop cultivation led to increased productivity and efficiency in agriculture. This allowed farmers to produce more crops with less labor, resulting in higher yields and food surpluses.
Enclosure Movement: The Enclosure Acts of the 18th and 19th centuries consolidated small landholdings into larger, enclosed fields, aiming to increase efficiency and productivity. While it improved agricultural practices, it also displaced many rural communities and contributed to the urbanization of England.
Shift in Labor: As agricultural productivity increased and fewer workers were needed in the farming sector, there was a surplus of rural labor. This led to the migration of surplus labor from rural areas to industrial cities, providing a ready workforce for the growing industries.
Urbanization: The shift of labor from agriculture to industry contributed to rapid urbanization. Cities experienced an influx of people seeking employment in factories and other industrial sectors, leading to the growth of large urban centers like Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool.
Improved Food Supply: The increased agricultural productivity ensured a reliable food supply for the growing industrial population. It prevented food shortages and famines that had previously occurred due to poor harvests.
Population Growth: The surplus food production and improved living conditions made possible by agricultural advances contributed to population growth. The population of England doubled between 1750 and 1850.
Economic Growth: The increased productivity in agriculture freed up both labor and capital for investment into other sectors of the economy, including industry, trade, and commerce. This fueled overall economic growth and development in England.
Overall, the agricultural changes during the Industrial Revolution played a crucial role in supporting and enabling industrialization. They boosted productivity, increased food supply, shifted the labor force, and provided the necessary resources for the rapid transformation of England into a powerhouse of the global industrial economy.