Chapter 15: The Anti-Corn Law League Flashcards
What was the Anti-Corn Law League?
A nation-wide pressure group formed to persuade the Government to repeal the 1815 Corn Laws. Founded in 1838 and the leaders were Richard Cobden and John Bright. Supported by the manufacturing class ho were able to finance the movement.
What was a key point in the Anti-Corn Law League’s success?
That the finances were well-organised in order to creae the steady income that was needed to pay for the time of campaign the league wanted to run.
What was one of the objectives of the Anti-Corn Law League?
To avoid the pitfalls of other pressure groups and so the leaders- respectable, middle-class, god-fearing men chose to work through Parliament. This enabled them to avoid riots, strikes, or any form of violence and they worked on gaining the support of the Churches.
What was their publicity campaign?
They planned a tightly-orchestrated publicity campaign, so that every voter in Britin would receive pamphlets from the League through the new postal service. Maximising the new railway system, te League’s key speakers were sent all over the country. Sought the support of the press to publicise and report on their activities. Campaign went as far as putting forward parliamentary candidates for election so that the League’s case could be heard in Parliament.
What were the arguments the league put forward to repeal the Corn Laws?
Argued it was a myth that the Corn Laws protected the farmers, in fact they protected inefficient farmers. Also cheaper bread would remove the argument for wage increases and this would help keep other prices steady. Free traders like Bright, argued that the Corn Laws went against the Government policy of Laissez Faire.
What was the biggest Counter-Agrument from landowners and farmers?
There were plenty of counter-arguments from landowners and farmers. Agriculture was still the biggest employer in the country, in spite of Industrialisation, and repeal would damage the farming economy and case widespread unemployment.
How did the Anti-Corn Law League distinguish itself from the Chartists?
By sticking to one simple demand, which it could demnstrate had support from a variety of political and social groups.
What were the overall strengths of the Anti-Corn Law League?
It was a well-organised and a well-financed body with widespread support.
What were the weaknesses of the Anti-Corn Law League?
The fight to repeal the Corn Laws seemed an uphill struggle. The Conservative Government, with Peel as Prime Minister, had been elected in 1841 on a mandate to keep the Corn Laws. Peel had compromised and reduced the sliding scale on imported wheat but was not prepared to go further.
What convinced Peel that the Corn Laws had to be repealed in the end?
The overwhelming disaster of the Irish Famine.
