Agriculture has had a major influence on the development of civil society throughout history. With the advent of agricultural techniques such as irrigation, early societies were able to develop complex systems of food production and distribution that allowed them to sustain growing populations. But agriculture’s influence went beyond just providing a reliable food supply. In fact, agriculture played a crucial role in shaping early systems of governance, education, and even wealth distribution.
One of the most important impacts of agriculture on early societies was the development of complex irrigation canals. A reliable water supply was essential to the success of agriculture, and early civilizations had to go to great lengths to control water and soil erosion. Agricultural societies developed sophisticated systems of irrigation canals that allowed them to channel water over long distances, ensuring that crops had a steady and reliable source of hydration. These canals required a high level of engineering skill and provided an important source of employment for the community. The work of designing and building these canals also required a level of collaboration and cooperation that helped to form early systems of governance, and the ability to control a valuable resource like water was an important source of political power.
In addition to the benefits of irrigation, agriculture also created a barter system within the community that developed into an early economy. As populations grew, the ability to trade goods and services became more important, and agricultural societies began to develop complex trade networks that allowed them to exchange goods and services with other communities. This exchange of goods and services helped to create a more diversified economy and allowed specialized labor to emerge. For example, some people focused on producing textiles, while others produced metal utensils or pottery. The development of an early economy provided an important source of financial stability for these communities and helped to foster the growth of trade and commerce.
Furthermore, the need to manage a complex agricultural system also created a greater need for an educated society that could conceive of the concept of class identification. As the society became more complex, individuals with specialized skills became more valuable. Agricultural societies began to place a greater emphasis on training individuals with skills in areas like irrigation, farming, and greater production capabilities. With this change, came the creation of classes within these societies, and a greater differentiation between them. As the society evolved, the educational divisions between individuals and groups became more pronounced and helped shape systems of governance, wealth, and commerce. This led to the emergence of the concept of social class and identity, a system that has lasted through the centuries and influences society to this day.
In conclusion, agriculture has had a significant influence on the development of human civilization over the centuries. Through the early industrial development of complex irrigation canals, the creation of a barter system within the community that developed into an early economy, and the cause of a greater need for an educated society that conceived the concept of class identification, agriculture as a method of food production has proven to be a catalyst for the growth of complex societies and cultures. These influences have helped shaped not only early governance systems but have left an indelible mark on the foundations of society, which can still be observed in various aspects of life today.