Anti-Corn Law League

What was the Anti-Corn Law League?

The Anti-Corn Law League was a pressure group which fought against the Corn Laws.

When was the Anti-Corn League created?

The Anti-Corn Law League was set up in March 1839.

What laws were the Anti-Corn League against?

The Corn Laws were passed by Parliament in 1815. They placed extra taxes on imported corn (corn bought from abroad). This meant British farmers could set a higher price for their own corn.

Why did people form the Anti-Corn Law League?

Although the Corn Laws helped British landowners and farmers, they disadvantaged everyone else, especially factory owners and workers. The laws meant bread cost more than it needed to.

Who led the Anti-Corn Law League?

The League had two prominent members, Richard Cobden and John Bright, who were both MPs.

What tactics did the Anti-Corn Law League do?

The League used speeches and newspaper articles to spread its message, and sent pamphlets through the penny post to reach every eligible voter.

What was the significance of the Anti-Corn Law League?

There are three key reasons for the League's significance:

• ❖ It achieved its aims as the prime minister repealed the Corn Laws in 1846.
• ❖ However, the repeal was partly due to the potato famine in Ireland, between 1845 - 1849, which caused extreme starvation and resulted in around one million deaths. This demonstrated the limits of campaigns.
• ❖ The campaign led to greater power for the working class and a loss of power for wealthy landlords and MPs.