Anti-Corn Law League Mass Campaigning Flashcards

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What were the Corn Laws and why did the Anti-Corn Law League want them repealed?

The Corn Laws were taxes on imported grain that kept the price of bread high. The Anti-Corn Law League wanted them repealed so that bread would be cheaper and trade and jobs would grow.

When and where was the Anti-Corn Law League set up, and who were two key leaders?

The Anti-Corn Law League was set up in 1838 in Manchester. Two key leaders were Richard Cobden and John Bright.

Why did the Anti-Corn Law League use mass campaigning rather than only private talks with politicians?

The League wanted to show that huge numbers of people supported repeal. This mass support helped to pressure MPs, who feared losing votes if they ignored the campaign.

How did the Anti-Corn Law League use public meetings in its mass campaign?

The League held large, peaceful public meetings all over Britain. Famous speakers gave speeches about free trade and cheaper bread, and they used the new railways to travel quickly between towns.

How did the Anti-Corn Law League use newspapers, pamphlets and posters?

The League printed its own newspapers, pamphlets and posters and used cheap steam printing. This let it spread its ideas about free trade and cheap bread to people across the country.

How did the new Penny Post help the Anti-Corn Law League’s mass campaigning?

The Penny Post let the League send letters and leaflets anywhere in Britain for just one penny. This meant it could reach many homes and MPs directly with its arguments.

How did the Anti-Corn Law League raise money to fund its mass campaign?

The League collected regular subscriptions from mainly middle-class supporters and held large fundraising bazaars. This money paid for speakers, halls, posters and travel.

What electoral methods did the Anti-Corn Law League use to put pressure on MPs?

The League helped supporters become registered voters, backed free-trade candidates in by-elections, and tried to defeat MPs who supported the Corn Laws.

How did the Anti-Corn Law League use petitions and lobbying as part of its campaign?

The League organised large petitions calling for repeal of the Corn Laws and arranged for members to visit MPs in Parliament to argue the case face to face.

How did the Anti-Corn Law League’s mass campaigning help lead to the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846?

Its nationwide meetings, heavy use of the press, letters and election work built strong pressure on Parliament. This helped convince Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel and many MPs to support repeal in 1846.