Social and Political Contexts

• The 1840s were referred to as the 'golden age' of British agriculture, but this was primarily for the landowners rather than the labourers.
• There was a surplus of labour, which resulted in agricultural workers being poorly paid and wives and children being expected to work.
• Mechanisation was cost effective but it also increased rural unemployment and destroyed village traditions.
• In 1801, approximately 65% of the population lived/worked in the countryside, while the rest were in towns and cities.
• By the end of the century, the figures were reversed - 23% in the country and 77% in urban areas.
• Dorset had the lowest agricultural wages in England.
• The idea of rural decline is crucial in understanding Hardy's works.