Key Technologies of the Agricultural Revolution

Four-Field Crop Rotation Systems

(1700s, Charles Townshend) - Planted crops which restored nutrients and fed livestock during winter

Seed Drill

(1701, Jethro Tull) - Planted seeds evenly in rows increasing germination rates and yields.

Threshing Machine

(1786, Andrew Meikle) - Separated grain from stalks automatically, saving time and labor.

Cotton Gin

(1794, Eli Whitney) - Increased cotton production by separating seeds

from cotton fiber

Mechanical Reaper

(1831, Cyrus McCormick) - Cut grain much faster than by hand.

Steel Plow

(1837, John Deere) - Improved soil turning and made farming faster and more efficient

Selective Breeding

(Robert Bakewell) - Breaded animals for specific traits, resulting in healthier, more productive animals.

Improved Transportation

Canals, railways, and roads allowed quick movement of goods and supplies.

Flying Shuttle

(1733, John kay) Increased speed of weaving

Newcomens Steam Engine

(1712, John Newcomen) cleared water out of mines

Watts Steam Engine

Made railroads, steamboats, and more efficient cotton mills possible