Explain briefly the factors which led to the Enclosures in England.

The Enclosure system appeared in agricultural field in England in 16th century. The Enclosure movement was necessitated by the Industrial Revolution in Britain which obviated the need for the larger section of society to cultivate land as people shifted to towns.

(iii) During this period, Britain was industrialising very fast. There was a great exodus of people from rural areas to towns in search of jobs. As the urban population grew, the market of foodgrains expanded and the prices of foodgrains rocketed. Therefore, the peasants were encouraged to produce more and more, hence the Enclosure movement.

(iv) France was at war with England during the end of 18th century. This slowed down the import of foodgrains in England. This led to soaring up of prices of foodgrains in England. Thus the landowners were encouraged to enclose lands and enlarge the area under foodgrain cultivation.

(v)Enclosures were now seen as necessary to make long-term investments on land and plan crop rotations to improve the soil. Enclosures also allowed the richer landowners to expand the land under their control and produce more for the market.