In England in the 1700's, many poor people in rural areas left their farms and moved to cities in search of work. Yet life in cities was not easy, and jobs were very hard to find. from what you know about England in the 1700's, can you explain why so many people were leaving farms and moving to the cities then?
~anything at all to help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Check these sites.
http://books.google.com/books?id=1hY-AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA1&lpg=PA1&dq=18th+century+England+cities&source=bl&ots=R0nRIlTjGr&sig=T3pejW4plboVa77P9XX5FQwTPjY&hl=en&ei=YTGcSuKzGJWzlAf9o9y_DA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5
http://www.localhistories.org/18thcent.html
What did the rich people do to punish the poor
In the 1700s, England experienced a significant shift from an agricultural-based economy to an industrial one. This transition, known as the Industrial Revolution, brought about changes in farming practices, land ownership, and employment opportunities, which led many people to leave their farms and migrate to cities. Here are some reasons why so many people were leaving farms and moving to the cities during this time:
1. Enclosure Acts: The Enclosure Acts were passed in the 18th century, allowing landowners to consolidate and enclose common lands previously used by peasants for farming. This led to smaller farms becoming less profitable and many rural workers losing their livelihoods.
2. Agricultural Revolution: During the same period, the Agricultural Revolution introduced new farming methods, such as the use of machinery, crop rotation, and selective breeding. These changes increased efficiency and productivity in agriculture but required fewer workers, leading to unemployment and the abandonment of small farms.
3. Urban Job Opportunities: Cities were rapidly developing centers of industry, commerce, and trade. This growth created a demand for factory workers and laborers in various industries such as textiles, mining, and iron production. Many people saw cities as a place where they could find employment and potentially improve their living conditions.
4. Encouragement by Landowners: Some landowners actively encouraged their tenants to leave the farms and move to cities. This was driven by a desire to consolidate land for more profitable forms of agriculture and to capitalize on the emerging industrial opportunities in cities.
5. Technological Advancements: The invention of new machinery and the development of factory systems made urban industrial work more attractive to rural workers. Despite the difficult working conditions, the promise of higher wages and the possibility of upward social mobility enticed many to migrate.
Despite the allure of urban opportunities, life in the cities was often harsh and challenging. Jobs were scarce, wages were low, and living conditions in overcrowded and unsanitary slums were deplorable. Nevertheless, the push factors from rural areas, combined with the pull factors of urbanization and industrialization, led to a significant migration of people from the countryside to the cities in 18th-century England.
In the 1700s, there was a significant increase in the movement of people from rural areas to cities in England. This phenomenon, known as rural-urban migration, was driven by several factors that created hardships in the countryside and opportunities in urban areas. Let's take a closer look at why this was happening.
1. Enclosure Acts: During this time, many landowners in rural areas began enclosing common lands through the Enclosure Acts. This meant that previously shared land was privatized, resulting in a loss of access for small-scale farmers and peasants. They were unable to sustain their farming practices and started seeking alternative livelihoods in cities.
2. Agricultural Revolution: The 18th century witnessed significant advancements in farming techniques, known as the Agricultural Revolution. These changes, such as improved crop rotation and selective breeding, led to increased agricultural productivity. As a result, fewer laborers were needed on the farms, leaving many people unemployed.
3. Population growth: England experienced a rapid population increase during this period, with birth rates exceeding death rates. This demographic growth put pressure on available resources in rural areas, making it more difficult for families to sustain themselves solely through farming.
4. Industrialization: The Industrial Revolution was gaining momentum in the 1700s, and cities were becoming the center of industrial activity. With the growth of factories and industries, there were more job opportunities in urban areas, especially in manufacturing, textiles, and mining. The promise of steady employment and the potential for higher wages attracted those in search of work.
5. Poor conditions in rural areas: Apart from economic reasons, many people left the countryside due to poor living conditions. Rural areas often lacked basic amenities, such as sanitation, clean water, and healthcare. Moreover, agricultural work was physically demanding and offered little social mobility. Moving to cities seemed like a chance for a better life.
To summarize, the combination of enclosure acts, changes in agricultural practices, population growth, the rise of industrialization, and the allure of better living conditions and employment opportunities in cities prompted many individuals to leave farms and migrate to urban areas in 18th-century England.