Enclosure Acts
Definition
The Enclosure Acts were British laws allowing private land ownership which led to public lands being transformed into private farms. This resulted in improved agricultural productivity but also displaced many peasant farmers.
Analogy
Imagine if your favorite public park suddenly became someone's private property and they built a house there. You'd lose your place to hang out, but they might use the land more efficiently than before.
Related terms
Agricultural Revolution: A period in history marked by significant changes in farming practices that dramatically increased output.
Land Tenure System: Rules invented by societies that define how property rights are allocated, what can be done with said property, and for how long.
Common Land Rights: These are traditional rights where local people have some access to privately owned land for activities such as grazing livestock or collecting firewood.
"Enclosure Acts" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Practice Questions (3)
- How did the Enclosure Acts influence economic development during Britain's ascendency?
- What was an immediate result of the 18th century British legislation, the Enclosure Acts?
- What did Britain’s Enclosure Acts in the late 18th century lead to?
Resources
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