What were corn laws? Why did the British Government decided to abolish these laws?
POPULATION growth from the late 18th century had increased demand for foodgrains in Britain. As urban centers expanded and industries grew, the demand for agricultural products went up pushing up food grains prices. Under pressure from landed groups, the government had also restricted the import of corn. The laws allowing the government to do this were commonly known as the ‘Corn Laws’. Unhappy with the high food prices, industrialists and urban dwellers forced the abolition of the ‘Corn Laws’.