[Spooky23]

They didn’t necessarily choose anything. As the feudal system broke down, those peasants were released from the land. (ie kicked out)

[Aunche]

Not true. The wealthy were more than happy to employ peasants. Even as late as 1800, hundreds of years after the feudal system, 78% of Europeans were peasants.

https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-...

[Spooky23]

Sure, but much fewer than in earlier times. There’s a reason the British liked to ship people off to America, Australia, etc.

I’d suggesting googling the term “enclosure”, specifically with regard to England. Similar issues and conflicts happened in other places.

The progression/transformation was not quick, cheap or without significant conflict.

[Aunche]

> I’d suggesting googling the term “enclosure”, specifically with regard to England

Yes. I've heard this argument before. That doesn't change my argument though. Without industrialization, peasant life would be just not bad, if not worse because more people would be completing for the same resources.