Free trade and the repeal of the Corn Laws (1846)

Study note

During the Victorian period the government promoted free trade, removing a number of taxes on imported goods. One important example was the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846, which had stopped the import of cheap grain. These reforms helped British industry, because raw materials could be imported more cheaply.

Memory tip: Corn Laws repealed in 1846, allowing cheaper grain imports and helping free trade.