Free trade and the repeal of the Corn Laws (1846)
Study note
During the Victorian period the government increasingly promoted free trade, which meant removing taxes on goods coming into the country so that they could be bought and sold more freely. This was seen as a way to help Britain's growing industry and to lower prices for ordinary people.
The clearest example was the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846. The Corn Laws had previously prevented the import of cheap grain from abroad, keeping the price of bread high. Repealing them in 1846 allowed cheaper grain to be imported and was a major step in the move towards free trade. So remember that the Corn Laws blocked cheap grain imports and that they were repealed in 1846 as part of free trade.
Memory tip: Corn Laws repealed in 1846, allowing cheaper grain imports and helping free trade.
Practise this topic
Question 1 of 2
What were the Corn Laws, repealed in 1846?
Show all questions and answers for Free trade and the repeal of the Corn Laws (1846)(2 questions with explanations)
Free trade and the repeal of the Corn Laws (1846): questions, answers and explanations
1. What were the Corn Laws, repealed in 1846?
- Laws limiting working hours
- Laws giving women the vote
- Laws that banned slavery
- Laws that had prevented the import of cheap grain
Correct answer: Laws that had prevented the import of cheap grain
The Corn Laws had prevented the import of cheap grain; they were repealed in 1846.
2. The repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 was part of the move towards free trade.
- True
- False
Correct answer: True
True. Repealing the Corn Laws supported the policy of free trade.
Back to A Long and Illustrious History, or try a mock test or timed exam.