They hang the man and flog the woman
Who steals the goose from off the common
Yet let the greater villain loose
That steals the common from the goose
The law demands that we atone
When we take things we do not own
But leaves the lords and ladies fine
Who take things that are yours and mine
The poor and wretched don't escape
If they conspire the law to break
This must be so but they endure
Those who conspire to make the law
The law locks up the man or woman
Who steals the goose from off the common
And geese will still a common lack
Till they go and steal it back
— English folk poem
Standard
HS.H3.4: Evaluate how societies have balanced individual freedoms, responsibilities, and human dignity versus the common good.
Learning Target
I am developing my understanding of how political and economic systems impact the needs of individuals.
Instructions
Analyze the poem above.
Then take notes on the information below.
Enclosure Acts (general)
The Enclosure Acts were essentially the abolition of the open field system of agriculture which had been the way people farmed in England for centuries. The ownership of all common land, and waste land, that farmers and Lords had, was taken from them.
Enclosure Act of 1801
During the 18th century, enclosures were regulated by Parliament; a separate Act of Enclosure was required for each village that wished to enclose its land. In 1801, Parliament passed a General Enclosure Act, which enabled any village, where three-quarters of the landowners agreed, to enclose its land.
HS.H3.4: Evaluate how societies have balanced individual freedoms, responsibilities, and human dignity versus the common good.
Learning Target
I am developing my understanding of how political and economic systems impact the needs of individuals.
Instructions
Analyze the poem above.
Then take notes on the information below.
Enclosure Acts (general)
The Enclosure Acts were essentially the abolition of the open field system of agriculture which had been the way people farmed in England for centuries. The ownership of all common land, and waste land, that farmers and Lords had, was taken from them.
Enclosure Act of 1801
During the 18th century, enclosures were regulated by Parliament; a separate Act of Enclosure was required for each village that wished to enclose its land. In 1801, Parliament passed a General Enclosure Act, which enabled any village, where three-quarters of the landowners agreed, to enclose its land.
Additional Resources