Second Agricultural Revolution

Overview

• Followed the First Agricultural Revolution (Neolithic Revolution)
• Major advancements in agriculture occurred during the Second Agricultural Revolution
• Rooted in Great Britain, influenced by the Industrial Revolution

Key Changes and Inventions

• Industrial Revolution Impact: Led to new inventions and production methods
  • Notable Inventions:
    • Cotton gin
    • Seed drill
    • Steel plow
    • Grain elevators
    • McCormick Reaper Harvester
• These inventions increased agricultural output significantly

The Enclosure Movement

• Transition from communal land ownership to private land ownership
• Previously, crops and grazing occurred on public land
• Private ownership led to more efficient farming practices
• Individuals had direct incentives to maximize efficiency and protect their land

Societal Transformations

• Shift from rural to urban living due to increased job opportunities in urban factory settings
• Factory farms began producing more food than before
• Increased food production led to greater food surplus
• Society experienced a population boom transitioning to stage two of the demographic transition model

Changes in Diet and Nutrition

• Increased calorie intake as people's diets changed
• Availability of new foods and food surplus improved diets

Economic and Global Impact

• Improved transportation and agriculture connected states globally
• Increase in trade and production
• Food surplus led to longer life expectancies
• Fewer people needed in agriculture, more could work in other industries
• Contributed to economic growth worldwide

Conclusion

• The Industrial Revolution facilitated a greater food surplus
• It enabled improved diets, longer life expectancies, and economic growth

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