Large fields that are enclosed by wealthy landowners, restricting access to common people, are referred to as?

The term "enclosures" specifically refers to the practice during the Agricultural Revolution where large fields were fenced off by wealthy landowners. This movement aimed to increase agricultural productivity by consolidating land for more intensive farming. By enclosing fields, landowners could employ new agricultural techniques and crop rotation methods, which were not feasible with common land shared by multiple farmers.

Enclosures had significant social and economic implications. They restricted access for peasants and small farmers, leading to a displacement of the rural population as traditional rights to land use were eliminated. This shift contributed to urban migration as displaced persons sought work in growing cities, correlating with the rise of the Industrial Revolution. Understanding enclosures provides insight into the transformation of agricultural practices and the socio-economic landscape during the time.