Farming by Anthony Williams
Then and Now
Farming As A Way Of Life Before the Industrial Revolution
Before the Industrial Revolution, most farmers had small, family farms. They grew enough food for themselves with some left over to sell. Most people in Great Britain lived in the country. When people moved to the cities to find work they found poor living conditions. Now, most people in Great Britain live in the cities. The changes of the Industrial Revolution changed the country forever.
Enclosure system Great Britain
Wealthy landowners enclosed their land with fences or hedges. They produced more food and small landowners could not compete. Many of the moved to the cities to look for work.
Living conditions were very poor in the cities.
The quality of life for these workers decreased and they had little time for recreation. They turned to the government for help; poor houses were set up. The farmers were not used to living in the city, and they suffered from poor condition, bad health, and long hours at work. They lost common rights and the skills of artisans
Modern day Great Britain is made up of cities
Modern Great Britain is made up of major cities, with most people living in London, Manchester, Birmingham and other major cities.