CORN LAWS Meaning and
Definition
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Corn laws were a series of legislative acts enacted in the United Kingdom between the 18th and 19th centuries. These laws were primarily concerned with the regulation of trade and the importation of grains, especially corn (referring to wheat, barley, oats, and other cereal crops). The primary aim of the corn laws was to protect domestic agriculture and grain prices by imposing restrictions on the importation of foreign grains.
The corn laws originated from the belief that the welfare of the nation's agricultural sector was crucial for national security and stability. These laws imposed high tariffs and duties on imported grains, making it economically unviable and impractical to import corn from other countries. This protectionist measure intended to incentivize domestic grain production, enabling British farmers to command higher prices.
The corn laws were highly controversial and faced significant criticism from a growing movement advocating for free trade. Opponents argued that these laws artificially increased grain prices, thereby adversely affecting consumers who had to pay higher prices for essential food items. They also argued that these laws hindered industrialization by making it difficult for manufacturers to access cheap grain. The Anti-Corn Law League, established in 1839, actively campaigned against these protectionist policies.
Ultimately, the corn laws were repealed in 1846 following a long period of debate and political pressure. The repeal marked a significant victory for advocates of free trade and is often considered a pivotal moment in the liberalization of trade in Britain.
Common Misspellings for CORN LAWS
- xorn laws
- vorn laws
- forn laws
- dorn laws
- cirn laws
- ckrn laws
- clrn laws
- cprn laws
- c0rn laws
- c9rn laws
- coen laws
- codn laws
- cofn laws
- cotn laws
- co5n laws
- co4n laws
- corb laws
- corm laws
- corj laws
- corh laws
Etymology of CORN LAWS
The term "corn laws" refers to a series of laws enacted in Britain in the 19th century regarding the importation and taxation of grain, particularly wheat. The etymology of the word "corn" in this context is derived from the Old English word "corn", which meant a small, hard particle or seed. It was used to refer to any small, granular grain, including wheat, rye, and barley. However, in some regions, including the United States, the term "corn" is specifically used to refer to maize, while wheat is referred to as "wheat". This regional difference in language usage can sometimes cause confusion. Therefore, when discussing the "corn laws", it is vital to understand that it refers to legislations regarding grain, rather than the crop maize commonly known as "corn" in the United States.
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