- Population growth from the late 18th century had increased the demand for food grains in Britain.
- As urban centres expanded and industries grew, the demand for agricultural products increased, pushing up food grain prices.
- Under pressure from landed groups, the government also restricted the import of corn.
- The laws allowing the government to do this were commonly known as ‘Corn Laws’.
- Unhappy with high food prices, industrialists and urban dwellers forced the abolition of the Corn Laws.
Effects:
- After the Corn Laws were scrapped, food could be imported into Britain more cheaply than it could be produced within the country.
- British agriculture was unable to compete with imports.
- Vast areas of land were now left uncultivated and thousands of men and women were thrown out of work. They flocked the cities or migrated overseas.