What agricultural developments supported the industrial revolution?

The agricultural developments that supported the Industrial Revolution included the Agricultural Revolution, crop rotation, and selective breeding.

The Agricultural Revolution, which occurred in the 18th century, was a significant precursor to the Industrial Revolution. It involved a series of changes in farming practices that dramatically increased the amount of food that could be produced. This increase in food production allowed the population to grow, providing a larger workforce for the burgeoning industries. It also freed up labour as fewer people were needed to work on the farms, allowing more people to move to the cities and work in factories.

Crop rotation was another important development. This was a method of farming where different crops were planted in a field each year. This prevented the soil from becoming exhausted, as different crops take different nutrients from the soil. This meant that fields could be used continuously, without needing to be left fallow to recover. This increased the amount of food that could be produced, supporting the growing population and workforce.

Selective breeding was also a significant development. This involved choosing specific animals or plants with desirable traits and breeding them together. This resulted in livestock and crops that were larger, healthier, and more productive. For example, Robert Bakewell, an English farmer, used selective breeding to produce larger sheep that had more wool. This increased the supply of wool, which was a key material in the textile industry, one of the main industries of the Industrial Revolution.

In addition, the development of new machinery and technology, such as the seed drill and the horse-drawn hoe, made farming more efficient. These machines allowed farmers to plant seeds and cultivate crops more quickly and with less labour. This not only increased food production but also freed up more labour for the factories.

Overall, these agricultural developments played a crucial role in supporting the Industrial Revolution. They increased food production, allowing the population and workforce to grow. They also freed up labour, enabling more people to work in the factories. Furthermore, they provided key materials for the industries of the Industrial Revolution.