preindustrielle

Preindustrielle refers to the period of human history before the advent of the Industrial Revolution. This era is characterized by agrarian societies where the majority of the population lived and worked in rural areas, primarily engaged in farming and animal husbandry. Production was largely artisanal, relying on manual labor and simple tools, with limited use of machinery. Trade and transportation were also relatively undeveloped, often relying on human or animal power and limited by geographical constraints. Political and social structures were typically hierarchical, with power concentrated in the hands of monarchs, aristocrats, or religious leaders. Life expectancy was generally lower than in modern times due to factors such as disease, famine, and limited medical knowledge. This period spans from the earliest human settlements to the late 18th century, when technological innovations began to fundamentally alter production, society, and the global economy. The transition from preindustrial to industrial societies marked a profound transformation in human civilization.