How far do you agree that the Anti-Corn law League was the most important reason for the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846?

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How far do you agree that the Anti-Corn law League was the most important reason for the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846?

There are many reasons as to what the most important reason was for the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846. The Corn Laws were passed in order to protect farmers from foreign competitors and were then repealed in 1846. The factors which influenced the repeal of the Corn Laws were the Anti-Corn Law League, spreading its message to the people through travelling lecturers and the leagues own journal, the Anti-Corn law circular. Secondly, the opportunity to restore confidence in the political system in which Peel felt that the repeal of the Corn Laws would bring this. Thirdly, the success of the budgetary and tariff reform convincing Peel that it would lead to economic growth.  Fourthly, the aftermath of the outbreak of the Irish famine and finally Peels gradual conversion. Ultimately, it Peels gradual conversion and own judgement which eventually repealed the Corn Laws in 1846.

It could be argued that the Anti-Corn law League was the most important reason for the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846. The Anti-Corn law League had successful spells using religious, humanitarian and economic arguments to support their campaign.  The league had many ways acting as an opposition. It divided the country up into 12 areas each with its own organisation, with the headquarters in Manchester. Its propaganda methods were also expanded with the appearance of ‘The Circular’ in 1842 and the weekly ‘Economist’ in 1843. Furthermore, from 1842 to 1845 the League directed its purpose towards the 1848 General Election. One of the League founders, Cobdem had become and MP acting as an elected body in parliament, this gate the party a political boost creating a new gateway for more support. The ACCL attempted to win the vote of the tenant farmers; however their attempts failed as the tenant farmers were supporters of protection and may have influenced their landlords to take a protectionist stance. Also, the League attempted to create new free trade votes by buying up freeholds in key constituencies achieving success in areas of south Lancashire and the West Riding. However, in 1846 there were on a small number of seats that had been made safe in this way.  Moreover, other limitations to this argument are that the league was put in an awkward position after Peel and the protectionist conservatives had been elected. The ACCLs arguments did not take much consideration in parliament causing a confidence crisis for most notably Cobden, Bright and other leaders of the ACCL. Furthermore, this crisis was heightened by deepening distress in the northern manufacturing districts during the winter of 1841-42. To conclude, the stem of the Corn Law repeal came from the Irish famine from within the cabinet and inside parliament, although the Corn Law was responsible for the conversion of Whig leader lord John Russell, this was not the case with Peel, still standing that it was Peels gradual conversion which lead to the repeal.

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Secondly, it could be argued that the opportunity to restore confidence in the political system was the main reason for the repeal of the Corn Laws. Peel believed that the Corn Laws were weakening and not strengthening the aristocracy. The weary public was also questioning their position undermining the national interest. Peel believed that by repealing the Corn Laws the party would be able to move past the social divide. Peel attempted to persuade the Conservatives to adapt the changed social and economic situation seeing it as crucial to have the Conservative party appeal to the middle classes. By repealing ...

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