1. Describe the “corn law.” Explain why the law was abolished and its after-effects.

The Corn Laws were a series of British laws enacted in the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily in the 1815 Act and its subsequent amendments. These laws imposed tariffs and restrictions on the import of grain, particularly corn (which, in British English, refers to any cereal grain, not just maize), with the aim of protecting domestic farmers from cheap foreign competition.

The motivations behind the Corn Laws were complex. They were supported by landowners and farmers who sought to maintain high prices for their produce and ensure agricultural prosperity. However, they were heavily criticized by urban industrialists, consumers, and advocates of free trade. The laws were seen as exacerbating poverty and hunger among the urban poor by artificially inflating the price of bread, a staple food.

The movement to repeal the Corn Laws gained momentum throughout the early 19th century, culminating in the eventual repeal in 1846 under Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. Several factors contributed to this decision:

1. Changing Economic Circumstances: The Industrial Revolution led to a shift from agrarian to industrial economy, with a growing urban population dependent on imported food. The Corn Laws were increasingly seen as hindering economic growth and industrial development.

2. Pressure from Free Trade Advocates: Influential economists and politicians, such as David Ricardo and Richard Cobden, argued vehemently for free trade principles. They contended that removing trade barriers would lead to more efficient allocation of resources and greater overall prosperity.

3. Irish Famine: The devastating Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s highlighted the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by protectionist trade policies. Repealing the Corn Laws was seen as a step towards addressing famine relief and ensuring greater access to food.

After the repeal of the Corn Laws, several significant after-effects ensued:

1. Expansion of Free Trade: The repeal marked a significant shift towards free trade policies in Britain. It set a precedent for the removal of other protectionist measures and paved the way for the country to become a global advocate for free trade.

2. Economic Transformation: The removal of trade barriers led to increased competition and efficiency in agriculture. It also facilitated the growth of British industry by providing cheaper access to food for urban workers, thereby stimulating demand for manufactured goods.

3. Political Realignment: The debate over the Corn Laws caused significant divisions within the Conservative Party, ultimately leading to the split of the party and the formation of the Liberal Party under leaders like William Gladstone. This realignment reshaped British politics for decades to come.

In summary, the abolition of the Corn Laws represented a pivotal moment in British economic and political history, signaling a transition towards free trade principles and shaping the trajectory of the nation's economy and politics in the 19th century and beyond.