Final answer:
Bronze's introduction to Europe and its utilization in tools and weapons due to its strength compared to stone led to increased agricultural production and technological advancements during the Bronze Age. The later scarcity of tin, a component of bronze, paved the way for the Iron Age, although bronze remained in use while iron-making techniques were being perfected.
Step-by-step explanation:
As the population of Western Europe grew and towns developed, the importance of bronze as a material for toolmaking became significant. The transition to bronze tools and weapons marked the beginning of the Bronze Age, and its introduction into Europe signified a major step forward in technological development. The use of bronze, which is an alloy of copper and tin, was critical as it is far harder than the stone materials previously utilized, thus greatly enhancing agricultural production and the efficiency of tools such as plows.
The process of creating bronze was initiated in the Near East and spread to Europe, revolutionizing farming techniques. Unlike the wooden plows, bronze-bladed plows allowed for deeper soil penetration, turning over more earth and boosting the cultivation capacity of the land. Additionally, during the Late Bronze Age Collapse, the scarcity of tin led to the innovation of iron-making, which eventually gave rise to a stronger metal that would start the Iron Age. However, this transition from bronze to iron did not occur instantly; it was a gradual change that depended on technological and trade developments.