Answer:
C) A system of fencing off common lands in medieval Europe
Explanation:
The Enclosure Movement refers to the historical process in which common lands, which were traditionally held and used by multiple members of a community, were gradually fenced off or enclosed for private use. This practice became particularly prevalent in Europe during the medieval period, although it continued in various forms into later centuries.
Enclosure typically involved the division and privatization of land that was previously held in common by villagers or communities. The process often resulted in the consolidation of land into larger, privately owned estates, disrupting traditional patterns of land use and access.
Enclosure had significant social, economic, and environmental implications. It led to the displacement of many peasants and small landholders who relied on common lands for grazing animals, gathering firewood, or cultivating crops. Enclosure also facilitated the transition from feudal agricultural practices to more modern forms of farming, such as large-scale commercial agriculture.
While the Enclosure Movement had its roots in medieval Europe, similar processes occurred in other regions and periods, including 18th and 19th century Britain, where enclosure laws were enacted to privatize common lands and promote agricultural efficiency. However, the term "Enclosure Movement" specifically refers to the broader historical phenomenon of enclosing common lands for private use, which occurred over many centuries and across various regions.
