Medieval Land Reclamation and Economic Growth
Expansion Rates and Economic Growth
Three factors fueled economic growth: population growth, land reclamation (breaks), and technological innovations. This population growth led to expanded colonization and reshaping the European landscape through land reclamation, particularly deforestation.
The Phenomenon of “Breaks”
The “breaks” phenomenon, a lengthy process with varying regional starting points, began in the eighth and ninth centuries, driven by lords and peasants. Land expansion required the lord’s consent, and their involvement significantly accelerated the process.
Two Periods of “Breaks”
- First Period: Lords tolerated and allowed breaks.
- Second Period: Lords spearheaded the movement, rapidly accelerating land reclamation.
Three Different Plowing Methods
- Extension of Old Fields: Expanding existing peasant lands into forests and uncultivated areas. This quiet, undocumented method was the most significant, yielding the most new farmland.
- Creation of New Towns: Establishing new settlements in virgin territories, often driven by lords for political and economic reasons. This well-documented method involved political motivations (strengthening borders, fortified towns) and economic incentives (increased revenue for lords).
- Movement/Habitat Insert: Isolated farmsteads, primarily focused on livestock, signifying a shift in attitudes and landscape. This method involved individual farmers establishing isolated homesteads, fenced to protect crops and symbolize individual land ownership.
Consequences and Variations
The creation of new towns significantly altered the landscape, particularly in the thirteenth century. Peripheral colonization, similar to other methods but occurring in newly conquered territories, involved relocating surplus populations to new villages operated by hired locators.