Blog 1

The Agricultural Revolution marked a decisive turning point in human history. What evidence might you offer to support this claim, and how might you argue against it? The period between 1700 and late 1800 is the most significant and influential period in contemporary living. The period marked an era of agricultural development as it led to vast improvements in farm technology and a rapid increase in agricultural productivity. The Neolithic Agricultural Revolution was a major turning point in human history because it inspired a shift from the traditional gathering and hunting way of life to a new lifestyle of farming and domesticating animals. The technological advancement and enlargement of farm production enclosures contributed to an unexpected rise in population as well as new agricultural practices that led to a food surplus. These developments triggered new phenomena including the establishment of agricultural markets and rural-to-urban migration. It was the starting point of modernization through the development of cities. Farming and civilization initiated trade which was further stirred by the enormous population growth and abundant farm produce. The agricultural revolution is the source of modern politics and leadership. There arose a pressing need for leaders since the people were no longer nomads as they had begun creating permanent settlements. Surplus food meant that people no longer traveled long distances to hunt for food. Consequently, a social system was established and individuals that had accumulated wealth and power put themselves on top. Also, people began moving from farm regions to urban centers to focus on new ventures other than farming because not everyone would work in the farms. The people could be artists, painters, and writers. The people who gathered in cities exchanged merchandise and shared new ideas. Consequently, the pressure to have leaders that would formulate laws to facilitate security and harmonious coexistence was mounting. Strayer states that the Neolithic age was not a turning point in human history; instead, it marked the beginning of all social evils experienced by humanity in the contemporary world. Foremost, population density intensified competition for preexisting resources especially farming production enclosures. It also resulted in a precarious and vicious environment. The environmental implications of a rising population became apparent through contamination of water sources, soil erosion as a result of inefficient farming methods, use of pesticides, fertilizers, and land pollution. The Agricultural Revolution set out as a brilliant idea but has ended up being a disparaging nightmare to modern people.