Question

what were the the effect of British government decision to abolish the corn laws

Answer 1

The British government restricted the import of corn. The laws allowing the government to do this were commonly known as the Corn Laws. Unhappy with high food prices, industrialists and urban dwellers forced the abolition of the Corn Laws.

Answer 2

(i) Food could be imported into Britain at much

cheaper rate than it would be produced within

the country.

(ii) British agriculture was unable to compete with

imports. Vast areas of land were left uncultivated

and people started migrating to cities or other

countries.

(iii) As food prices fell, consumption in Britain

rose. Faster industrial growth in Britain also

led to higher incomes and therefore more food

imports.

(iv) Around the world—in Eastern Europe, Russia,

America and Australia—lands were cleared and

food production expanded to meet the British

demand.