a) Advancements in farming technology made life better for the commoner who laboured on the farm during the 18th and 19th centuries by increasing crop yields and reducing the amount of manual labour required to grow and harvest crops. This allowed farmers to produce more food, which led to lower food prices and a more stable food supply. It also freed up time and resources for other activities, such as manufacturing and trade.
b) These advancements could potentially make life worse for the commoner in the long-term by reducing the number of jobs available in agriculture and increasing the demand for skilled labour. This could lead to increased competition for jobs and lower wages, as well as a loss of traditional farming knowledge and practices. Additionally, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides could have negative environmental and health impacts if not used responsibly.