“Agricultural change in the Enlightenment era was socially and economically beneficial.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that agricultural change was socially and economically beneficial during the Enlightenment. Candidates may refer to the economic impact that resulted from the introduction of new crops, the innovations in cultivation techniques and livestock breeding, and the consolidation of small holdings into large farms. They may consider the benefits or disadvantages of the enclosure process, noticeable in England. Candidates may also assess the contribution of individuals such as Jethro Tull, and the use of horses with drilling equipment. Candidates may discuss the social effects of agricultural change on the lives of the peasants, the open-field system of farming, and the proletarianization of those who lost their lands. Candidates may offer equal coverage of social and economic benefits, or they may prioritize their assessment of one of them. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that agricultural change was socially and economically beneficial during the Enlightenment. Few responses were seen to this question. Little specific historical knowledge was provided by candidates.