Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What trend does Addington's report primarily provide evidence of regarding agricultural practices in eighteenth-century England?

1. Urbanization impacts on rural lifestyles

2. The commercialization of agriculture

3. The decline of monastic farms

4. The increase in agricultural exports

The correct answer is: The commercialization of agriculture

Addington's report primarily highlights the commercialization of agriculture in eighteenth-century England. This trend is characterized by the shift towards market-oriented farming practices, where agricultural production was increasingly geared toward selling crops for profit rather than merely subsistence. The report reflects the growing integration of agriculture into the market economy, demonstrating how farmers began to adopt new techniques, invest in land improvements, and respond to market demands, which ultimately led to increased productivity and efficiency in farming practices. This commercialization is significant in understanding the agricultural revolution of the period, as it set the stage for the development of agrarian capitalism. The trends of urbanization, decline of monastic farms, and increase in agricultural exports, while relevant, are more secondary aspects compared to the overarching influence of commercialization in shaping the agricultural landscape of the time. Thus, focusing on the evidence of commercialization provides essential insights into the economic transformations occurring in eighteenth-century England.