Question

Explain three far reaching effects of abolition of corn laws

Answer 1

Corn laws were the laws that restricted the import of corn in Britain. These laws prevailed in the late 18th century. Restrictions were imposed on the import of corn by the government under pressure from landed groups who sold corn at high prices because of increased demand. People were unable to afford expensive food grains and forced the government to scrap the corn laws. The British government abolished the corn laws which brought a lot of changes in the British economy:
1. Food could be imported into Britain more cheaply than it could be produced within the country.
2. British agriculture failed to compete with imports.
3. Vast areas of land were left uncultivated.
4. Thousands of men and women became unemployed.
5. This led to migration of people to the cities or overseas.

Answer 2

People were unable to afford expensive food grains and forced the government to scrap the corn laws. The British government abolished the corn laws which brought a lot of changes in the British economy: ... British agriculture failed to compete with imports.