Thought provoking piece. I might add that the Magna Charta and other similar relationships between nobles and monarchy, wherein it became understood that the nobles would benefit from land ownership and not just exist at the pleasure of the king, came to fruition shortly before this enclosure process, perhaps creating necessary conditions for the growth of capitalism.
I am fascinated by the Magna Carta, not only for the reasons you specified, but in how it started the process of political democratization. As far as I can tell, it's the first time in rulers were forced to admit they didn't have *total* control over their subjects, a sentiment which eventually grew into democracy.
I've also thought a great deal more lately about the Treaty of Westphalia. There.... well, there weren't really nations before that, you know? Wild stuff.
Just finished 'Less Is More' and the author Jason Hickel includes a section about the enclosure movement. I believe you've mentioned this book before but thought I'd give it another promotion as I appreciated it and suspect others who read you stack will as well.
Thought provoking piece. I might add that the Magna Charta and other similar relationships between nobles and monarchy, wherein it became understood that the nobles would benefit from land ownership and not just exist at the pleasure of the king, came to fruition shortly before this enclosure process, perhaps creating necessary conditions for the growth of capitalism.
I am fascinated by the Magna Carta, not only for the reasons you specified, but in how it started the process of political democratization. As far as I can tell, it's the first time in rulers were forced to admit they didn't have *total* control over their subjects, a sentiment which eventually grew into democracy.
Same!
I've also thought a great deal more lately about the Treaty of Westphalia. There.... well, there weren't really nations before that, you know? Wild stuff.
I'm unfamiliar with that treaty, but I'm about to throw myself down a rabbit hole on it!
Just finished 'Less Is More' and the author Jason Hickel includes a section about the enclosure movement. I believe you've mentioned this book before but thought I'd give it another promotion as I appreciated it and suspect others who read you stack will as well.