Question

Write a note to explain the effects of the following:
The British governments decision to abolish the Corn Laws.

Answer 1

Population growth from the late eighteenth century had increased the demand for food grains in Britain. As urban centers expanded and industry grew, the demand for agricultural products went up, pushing up food grains prices. Under pressure from landed groups, the government had restricted the import of corn. The laws allowing the government to do this were commonly known as the 'Corn Laws'. The British government's decision to abolish the Corn Laws saw the inflow of cheaper crops from America and Australia. Many English farmers left their profession and migrated to towns and cities. Some went overseas. This indirectly led to global agriculture and rapid urbanization, a prerequisite of industrial growth.