Anti-corn law league Flashcards
What were the corn laws
war with france
stopped trade
farmers had monopoly on wheat trade
prices rised
Government didnt want profits to fall
law kept wheat prices high
What happened
riots from westminster to dundee
Who made it up
middle class - felt restrictions were unfair to the poor
richard cobden - gave speeches in support of league
Why was it unfair
increased basic food price
raise living costs
people cannot afford meat - this would help farmers
could buy industrial goods
Mp supporting
Robert peel
conservative - so his views did not appeal to other party members
Famine
Potato famine - millions starve
corn laws meant there was no spare wheat to help in Ireland
Success
Yes - return to normal prices and incr pop - farmers dont suffer but poor can afford food
impact
influence of landowners challenged
