Final answer:
The Agricultural Revolution started in Britain in the mid-1600s, contributing to a population increase and providing the labor necessary for the subsequent Industrial Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Agricultural Revolution began in Britain during the mid-1600s, preceding the industrial revolution. Agriculture in Britain moved away from the subsistence model to become more commercially oriented, especially after innovations that increased food production and improved overall sanitation. These changes contributed to a population surge and a surplus of agricultural products, creating conditions ripe for industrialization.
During the Agricultural Revolution, significant advances were made, including crop rotation and selective breeding practices, which greatly increased the efficiency and output of farms. This situation led to a surplus of workers who migrated to cities, contributing to the growing labor force needed for the Industrial Revolution. The availability of coal in northern England also facilitated industrial development, particularly in the textile industry, which was concentrated in this region.
The transformation in agriculture laid the foundation for the Industrial Revolution, allowing Great Britain to mechanize production and become the leading world power of the nineteenth century. The changes in agriculture and subsequent industrial growth were not isolated to Britain but eventually spread globally, impacting societies and economies across Europe and the United States.