What was the Enclosure Movement, and how did it relate to the Industrial Revolution?

The Enclosure Movement was a significant transformation in land use that occurred in England during the 18th century, which closely relates to the Industrial Revolution. This movement involved the consolidation of small farms and common land into larger, privately owned properties, effectively displacing many peasant farmers who relied on these communal lands for their livelihood.

As land was enclosed, many agricultural practices became more efficient, allowing for increased agricultural output. However, this also forced many rural workers off their land, pushing them towards cities in search of work. This migration was pivotal for the Industrial Revolution as it provided a large labor force for the factories that were sprouting up in urban areas. The dislocation of the peasantry and their subsequent transition from agrarian lifestyles to urban industrial workers laid the groundwork for the dramatic social and economic changes that characterized the Industrial Revolution.