Corn Laws

1815 Corn Law, An Act to amend the Laws now in force for regulating the Importation of Corn

1846 - Anti-Corn Law League Meeting

Robert Peel

Corn Laws were a series of statutes enacted by the British Parliament between 1815 and 1846, which imposed restrictions and tariffs on imported grain. They were designed to keep grain prices high to favour domestic producers, and represented the interests of the agricultural sectors of Britain against those of the urban dwellers and industrialists.

Background

The Corn Laws were introduced at a time when Britain was transitioning from a predominantly agrarian economy to an industrial one. The end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 led to a significant influx of cheap grain from Europe, causing a sharp decline in prices. This threatened the income of British landowners who were influential in Parliament. In response, the Corn Laws were passed to protect their interests by imposing tariffs on imported grain, thus ensuring that domestic grain could be sold at higher prices.

Implementation

The Corn Laws stipulated that no grain could be imported into Britain until the domestic price reached a certain threshold. This effectively kept grain prices high, benefiting landlords and farmers but causing hardship for consumers, particularly in urban areas, where people had to spend a larger portion of their income on food.

Repeal

The Corn Laws became increasingly unpopular, leading to widespread protests and the formation of the Anti-Corn Law League, a powerful political movement dedicated to their abolition. The League argued that the Corn Laws led to high food prices and reduced the standard of living for the working class, while also hindering the growth of other sectors of the economy.

The campaign for the repeal of the Corn Laws was led by Richard Cobden and John Bright, who argued that free trade would lead to lower food prices, increased employment, and economic prosperity. The Irish Potato Famine (1845–1852) added urgency to their cause, as the removal of tariffs on grain was seen as a way to alleviate the suffering of the Irish people.

In 1846, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel, the Corn Laws were repealed, marking a significant shift towards free trade policies in Britain. The repeal of the Corn Laws is often cited as a turning point in British economic policy, leading to a period of significant growth and prosperity.

Impact

The repeal of the Corn Laws had far-reaching effects on British society and the economy. It led to a decrease in food prices, making food more affordable for the urban working class and contributing to an improvement in living standards. It also marked the beginning of a move towards free trade, which would dominate British economic policy for the rest of the century.

The repeal was also a significant political event, leading to a split in the Conservative Party and the resignation of Sir Robert Peel. It demonstrated the growing power of public opinion and the effectiveness of organized political campaigning.

Legacy

The Corn Laws and their repeal are an important chapter in the history of Britain, illustrating the tensions between agricultural and industrial interests, the impact of economic policy on society, and the shift towards modern economic theories of free trade.