Repeal Of The Corn Laws Flashcards
Why was the famine in Ireland important in getting the Corn laws repealed?
. Peel believed that if the Corn laws were repealed then the price of corn and consequently bread would go down which would make it easier for peasants in Ireland to buy food.
. The Irish famine occurred in 1845 and ended in 1852.
How was the advancement of free trade important in repealing the Corn Laws?
. Peel had been a long time supporter of free trade, so by repealing the Corn Laws, Britain would take a step closer to have it free trade.
. The Corn Laws restricted the amount of Corn being imported into Britain and as a result free trade couldn’t be properly developed in Britain.
How were the Anti Corn League important in the repeal of the Corn Laws?
. The government feared that if they didn’t repeal the laws then they could be facing radical behaviour among the middle classes e.g. Refusing to pay taxes.
. The group managed to directly influence parliament on the matter by purchasing property worth £250million in Yorkshire, chesire and Lincolnshire, this made individual from the group edible to stand as MPs in that area.
. In 1842 and 45 the group won 2 seats and were therefore able to send 2 members to parliament.
How effective/ not effective was the League in aiding the repeal of the Corn laws?
. They made no real effective appeal to the landed interest, the landed interest had the most power in parliament at this time, so not getting there support was a major failure.
. The group was heavily associated with the fact that many believed the groups leaders and business leaders only wanted the laws to be repealed so they would benefit from the lower wages that would come with it.
. It’s efforts to gain parliamentary seats were inadequate.
