Ignite Your World History Skills 2026 – Conquer the Industrial Revolution Test Revolution!

The term "subsistence farming" before the Industrial Revolution specifically referred to a form of agriculture where families produced just enough food to feed themselves, with little to no surplus for sale or trade. This type of farming was primarily characterized by the use of simple tools and techniques, as families typically grew a variety of crops that were necessary for their daily consumption. This self-sustaining approach meant that farmers focused on their immediate needs rather than producing additional crops for commerce.

During this period, communities were largely agrarian, and subsistence farming was common because it allowed families to ensure their survival without reliance on external markets or commercial agriculture. As the Industrial Revolution progressed and agricultural practices evolved, many farmers began to shift towards the production of surplus crops for trade, thus moving away from the subsistence model.