Corn Laws

The Corn Laws were UK tariffs and restrictions on imported grain from 1815 to 1846, designed to protect domestic farmers from foreign competition. By imposing high tariffs on imported corn (grain), they kept domestic grain prices high, benefiting landowners and farmers. However, these laws made bread and other essentials more expensive for consumers and industrial workers. Public opinion shifted as these laws contributed to economic hardship, leading to their repeal in 1846. The removal marked a move toward free trade, reducing trade barriers and increasing the availability of cheaper imported grain.