Q What were the ‘Corn Laws’ of the 19th century?
A The Corn Laws were late 18th and early 19thcentury measures to protect the price of domestically grown grain. Imports were subject to swingeing duties, or were not permitted at all, until homegrown corn had reached a specific price.
During the Napoleonic Wars, these policies arguably made sense by encouraging domestic agriculture and reducing dependence on imports. But since bread was an essential part of the diet of an increasingly urbanised working class, the price of corn, particularly wheat, was of great importance. At times of economic downturn, or bad harvests, bread became unaffordable and many people starved, leading to riots.
A powerful and growing campaign to abolish the laws was spearheaded from 1839 by the Anti-Corn Law League. The struggle over the controversial legislation is traditionally generalised as a dispute between the old landed elite, which wanted to protect its economic position, and the new, rising industrial elite, which wanted cheaper food for workers – and maybe also reduce their wages.
Things came to a head in 1845– 46 with poor harvests and the Irish Famine. Prime minister Sir Robert Peel finally oversaw the repeal of the Corn Laws in a move that split the Tory Party. This is often painted as a key moment in the divide within the British ruling class during the ‘ long 19th century’ – between free trade and protectionism, and Liberals and Tories.