question_answer 9)

Explain briefly the factors that led to the enclosures in England.  

Answer:

The factors that led to the enclosure movement in England were the increase in prices of wool in the international market and the increased demand for foodgrains in England. (i) Increase in Prices of Wool In the 16th century, the price of wool in the international market went up so the rich farmers wanted to expand wool production to earn higher profits. They were eager to improve their sheep breeds and keen on controlling large areas of land in compact blocks to allow improved breeding so they started building hedges around their holdings to separate their property from that of others. (ii) Increased Demand for Grain From the mid 18th century, the population of England expanded rapidly; more people were living in the cities and working in the factories. As urban population grew, demand for foodgrains increased and foodgrain prices rose.  Because of the war with France, trade was disrupted and import of grain from Europe declined, increasing prices of foodgrains in England. This encouraged landowners to enclose land and enlarge areas under grain cultivation, leading to the second enclosure movement.