Event of 1839: The Anti-Corn Law League is founded in Manchester, England. (1838)

The Anti-Corn Law League was a middle-class political movement in Great Britain aimed at abolishing the Corn Laws, which raised bread prices by taxing imported wheat. Founded in 1838, the nationwide organization combined local associations and held rallies to convince parliament to repeal these laws, gaining support from industrialists.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The Corn Laws protected national farming interests by levying taxes on imported wheat, raising bread prices while factory owners sought to cut wages. The Anti-Corn Law League emerged as a successful political movement in Great Britain, aiming to abolish these unpopular laws through a crusade to convince parliament to repeal them.

Organization. The first Anti-Corn Law Association was established in London in 1836. The nationwide League, combining all such local associations, was founded in 1838 with Richard Cobden and John Bright among its leaders. Based in Manchester, the League had support from numerous industrialists, especially in the textile industry.

Impact. Historians remain divided on the impact of the league on Peel's decision to abandon the corn laws. However, it was undoubtedly the most successful of nineteenth-century single-issue pressure groups in its ability to generate enthusiasm, support, and unparalleled financial backing.

People involved

Sources

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