Thursday 28th July 2005 AD
"A FORMER AGE"

Today again we find ourselves digging back in time, this time to back to Western Europe and the British Isles as they slowly emerge from the dark ages. We observe mostly small-interconnected communities living simple lives of subsistence from the tilling of the land, the husbandry of livestock, and the harnessing of the horse. During this Agrarian Age, it is estimated that 4 out of 5 are living on the land, away from cities or population centers.

But in our modern, busy and high-tech lives, what perspective is gained from a bygone agricultural era? A good question, but as our valued readers know, in today's world an understanding of history is more essential than ever - the further we look into history, the better we understand where we are today, and where we are heading tomorrow.

Over the last several hundred years there have been some dramatic alterations in the availability and harnessing-methods of energy, resulting in the tipping of the delicate scales of social and economic balance in society. It has been the generally accepted view that the modern world has successfully passed through two socioeconomic periods and we now living in the third.

Things had remained fairly unaltered over the centuries, but now with the advent of the Steam Engine in the 1700's things began to change. During the Agrarian age, the local miller held the monopoly on regional power, with his ability to harness energy from neighboring streams or rivers. But now James Watt's engine for the first time made possible portable "motive power".

The capability to concentrate and harness large amounts of energy in central locations quickly led to manufacturing communities and centers. The "manufactory", would become the backbone of the Industrial economy.

As the Industrial Revolution swept through Europe and America, the social and economic balances of the former Agrarian age were changed dramatically and completely. How would this change further accelerate in the 1900's ? What of the Agrarian age of old - is it completely finished or does there remain a link to us today? - Questions we will consider tomorrow.

Best Regards - Philip Judge pjudge@anglofareast.com