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The Tudors legislated against corn speculation, and the Stuarts introduced controls on both imports and exports of corn.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historically, the Tudors legislated against corn speculation, and the Stuarts introduced controls on both imports and exports, indicating early government regulation of corn trade.
In 1689, traders were provided bounties for importing rye, malt, and wheat into England.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1689, traders were provided bounties for *exporting* rye, malt, and wheat, and these commodities were taxed when imported.
The Corn Act 1772 repealed Elizabethan controls on grain speculation and permitted imports only when the price of corn exceeded 48 shillings per quarter.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Corn Act 1772 did repeal Elizabethan controls on grain speculation and permitted imports only when the price of corn exceeded 48 shillings per quarter.
In 1813, a House of Commons committee recommended that foreign-grown corn should be excluded until the price of domestically grown corn surpassed 60 shillings per quarter.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1813, a House of Commons committee recommended that foreign-grown corn should be excluded until the price of domestically grown corn surpassed *80* shillings per quarter, not 60.
According to the Corn Act 1772, when were imports of corn permitted?
Answer: Only when the price of corn exceeded 48 shillings per quarter.
Explanation: The Corn Act 1772 permitted imports only when the price of corn exceeded 48 shillings per quarter.
The Corn Laws were a series of tariffs and trade restrictions on imported food and cereal grains in the United Kingdom, primarily enforced between 1815 and 1846.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Corn Laws were indeed a series of tariffs and trade restrictions on imported food and cereal grains in the United Kingdom, enforced between 1815 and 1846.
The primary objective of the Corn Laws was to lower the cost of living for the British public by ensuring a steady supply of cheap imported corn.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary objective of the Corn Laws was to maintain high prices for domestically grown corn, thereby favoring British farmers, not to lower the cost of living through cheap imports.
Initially, the Corn Laws restricted cheap corn importation by outright forbidding it below a certain price, and later by imposing steep import duties.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Corn Laws initially forbade cheap corn importation below a specified price and later imposed steep import duties to restrict it.
The Corn Law bill received royal assent on March 10, 1815, after being passed by the House of Lords.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Corn Law bill received royal assent on March 23, 1815, after being passed by the House of Commons on March 10, 1815, and the House of Lords on March 20, 1815. The question incorrectly states the date of royal assent.
The Corn Laws enhanced the profits and political influence of land ownership while simultaneously hampering the growth of British manufacturing.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Corn Laws did enhance the profits and political influence of land ownership, while simultaneously hampering the growth of other British economic sectors, such as manufacturing.
The Importation Act 1815, passed by Lord Liverpool's Tory government, immediately led to a significant decrease in bread prices.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Importation Act 1815, passed to maintain high bread prices, resulted in serious rioting in London, indicating an increase or sustained high price, not a decrease.
The 'Year Without a Summer' in 1816, caused by Mount Tambora's eruption, led to famine and widespread riots in Britain.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Year Without a Summer' in 1816, caused by Mount Tambora's eruption, did drastically reduce crop yields, leading to famine, food shortages, and widespread riots in Britain.
The Importation Act 1822 allowed corn to be imported when the domestic price reached 70 shillings per quarter, but prohibited imports if it fell to 80 shillings.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Importation Act 1822 allowed corn to be imported when the domestic price reached *80* shillings per quarter, but prohibited imports if it fell to *70* shillings.
The Importation of Corn Act 1828 introduced a new sliding scale system for duties, where the duty decreased as the domestic corn price increased.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Importation of Corn Act 1828 introduced a new sliding scale system where the duty decreased as the domestic corn price increased, as devised by William Huskisson and the Duke of Wellington.
What was the primary objective behind the implementation of the Corn Laws in the United Kingdom?
Answer: To maintain high prices for domestically grown corn and favor British farmers.
Explanation: The primary objective of the Corn Laws was to maintain high prices for domestically grown corn, thereby favoring British farmers and reflecting a mercantilist economic policy.
During what period were the Corn Laws primarily enforced in the United Kingdom?
Answer: 1815 and 1846
Explanation: The Corn Laws were primarily enforced in the United Kingdom between 1815 and 1846.
What was a significant economic and social consequence of the Corn Laws for the British public?
Answer: Significantly raised food prices and the cost of living.
Explanation: The Corn Laws significantly raised food prices and the cost of living for the British public, while also hampering the growth of manufacturing.
What was an immediate consequence of the Importation Act 1815, passed after the Napoleonic Wars?
Answer: Serious rioting in London.
Explanation: The Importation Act 1815, passed to maintain high bread prices, resulted in serious rioting in London.
What new system was introduced by the Importation of Corn Act 1828?
Answer: A sliding scale of duties, where duty decreased as domestic price increased.
Explanation: The Importation of Corn Act 1828 introduced a new sliding scale system for duties, where the duty decreased as the domestic corn price increased.
Opposition to the Corn Laws primarily came from rural landowners who feared a decrease in their profits.
Answer: False
Explanation: Opposition to the Corn Laws primarily came from urban groups, not rural landowners, who actually benefited from the laws.
Thomas Malthus argued that relying on imported corn would be dangerous for Britain because lower prices would lead to reduced wages for laborers.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thomas Malthus indeed argued that relying on imported corn would be dangerous for Britain, as lower prices would lead to reduced wages for laborers and diminished purchasing power for landlords and farmers.
David Ricardo advocated for protectionist policies to safeguard British industries from foreign competition.
Answer: False
Explanation: David Ricardo advocated for *free trade*, believing it would allow Britain to leverage its comparative advantage, in contrast to protectionist policies.
The Merchants' Petition of 1820, demanding free trade, was successfully passed by Parliament due to Prime Minister Lord Liverpool's support.
Answer: False
Explanation: Despite Prime Minister Lord Liverpool claiming to favor free trade, he blocked the Merchants' Petition of 1820, which demanded free trade.
Charles Pelham Villiers was a Conservative MP who initially opposed the repeal of the Corn Laws but later changed his stance.
Answer: False
Explanation: Charles Pelham Villiers was a Liberal Whig Member of Parliament who consistently proposed motions for the repeal of the Corn Laws, not a Conservative MP who changed his stance.
The 'blue book' published in 1840 by the Committee on Import Duties served as a propaganda tool for the Anti-Corn Law League.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'blue book' published in 1840 by the Committee on Import Duties, examining the detrimental effects of the Corn Laws, was indeed utilized as a key propaganda tool by the Anti-Corn Law League.
Richard Cobden was first elected to Parliament in the 1837 election.
Answer: False
Explanation: Richard Cobden was first elected to Parliament in the 1841 election, not 1837.
Landlords and socialist Chartists argued that manufacturers desired cheap food primarily to reduce wages and maximize their own profits.
Answer: True
Explanation: Landlords and socialist Chartists did argue that manufacturers desired cheap food primarily to reduce wages and maximize their own profits, presenting a counter-argument to the Anti-Corn Law League.
Karl Marx observed that the campaign for the abolition of the Corn Laws did not require the help of workers, as it was primarily a capitalist initiative.
Answer: False
Explanation: Karl Marx observed that the campaign for the abolition of the Corn Laws *required* the help of workers, noting that advocates promised both affordable food and the Ten Hours Bill.
The magazine 'The Economist' was founded in September 1843 with significant assistance from the Anti-Corn Law League.
Answer: True
Explanation: The magazine 'The Economist' was indeed founded in September 1843 by James Wilson, with significant assistance from the Anti-Corn Law League.
The Central Agricultural Protection Society (CAPS) was formed in 1844 to campaign against the Corn Laws.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Central Agricultural Protection Society (CAPS) was formed in 1844 to campaign *in favor of maintaining* the Corn Laws, not against them.
What was Thomas Malthus's perspective on 80 shillings per quarter as a price for domestic corn?
Answer: He considered it a fair price for domestic corn.
Explanation: Thomas Malthus considered 80 shillings per quarter to be a fair price for domestic corn, arguing against reliance on imports due to potential negative impacts on wages and manufacturing.
Which economic principle did David Ricardo advocate in contrast to the protectionist Corn Laws?
Answer: Free trade
Explanation: David Ricardo advocated for free trade, believing it would allow Britain to leverage its comparative advantage, directly contrasting the protectionist Corn Laws.
Who authored the Merchants' Petition of 1820, which demanded free trade?
Answer: Thomas Tooke
Explanation: The Merchants' Petition of 1820, a demand for free trade, was authored by Thomas Tooke.
Which Liberal Whig Member of Parliament consistently proposed motions for the repeal of the Corn Laws from 1837 to 1845?
Answer: Charles Pelham Villiers
Explanation: Charles Pelham Villiers was a Liberal Whig Member of Parliament who consistently proposed motions for the repeal of the Corn Laws from 1837 to 1845.
What was the primary purpose of the 'blue book' published by the Committee on Import Duties in 1840?
Answer: To examine the detrimental effects of the Corn Laws.
Explanation: The 'blue book' published by the Committee on Import Duties in 1840 examined the detrimental effects of the Corn Laws and served as a key propaganda tool for the Anti-Corn Law League.
When was Richard Cobden, a prominent proponent of free trade, first elected to Parliament?
Answer: 1841
Explanation: Richard Cobden was first elected to Parliament in the 1841 election.
According to historian Asa Briggs, which of the following was one of the four major problems Richard Cobden promised the repeal of the Corn Laws would solve?
Answer: Guaranteeing prosperity for manufacturers by providing market outlets.
Explanation: According to historian Asa Briggs, Richard Cobden promised that the repeal of the Corn Laws would guarantee prosperity for manufacturers by providing market outlets, among other solutions.
What counter-argument did landlords and socialist Chartists present against the Anti-Corn Law League's advocacy for cheap food?
Answer: That manufacturers desired cheap food primarily to reduce wages and maximize profits.
Explanation: Landlords and socialist Chartists argued that manufacturers desired cheap food primarily to reduce wages and maximize their own profits, rather than genuinely benefiting the working class.
Which prominent magazine was founded in September 1843 with significant assistance from the Anti-Corn Law League?
Answer: The Economist
Explanation: The magazine 'The Economist' was founded in September 1843 by James Wilson, with significant assistance from the Anti-Corn Law League.
What organization was formed in February 1844 by the Duke of Richmond to campaign in favor of maintaining the Corn Laws?
Answer: The Central Agricultural Protection Society (CAPS)
Explanation: The Central Agricultural Protection Society (CAPS), also known as the 'Anti-League,' was formed in February 1844 by the Duke of Richmond to campaign in favor of maintaining the Corn Laws.
The urgent need for new food supplies during the Great Famine in Ireland ultimately forced a resolution to the issue of the Corn Laws.
Answer: True
Explanation: The urgent need for new food supplies during the Great Famine in Ireland, particularly the initial two years (1845–1852), ultimately forced a resolution to the issue of the Corn Laws.
Sir Robert Peel, a Liberal Prime Minister, achieved the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 with the support of his own party.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sir Robert Peel was a Conservative Prime Minister, not Liberal, and he achieved the repeal with the support of the Whigs, overcoming significant opposition from most members of his own Conservative party.
Despite the Great Famine, Ireland continued to export substantial quantities of food to Great Britain, with the core problem being prohibitive prices.
Answer: True
Explanation: Despite the Great Famine, Ireland continued to export substantial quantities of food to Great Britain, as the core problem was the prohibitive price of food, making it inaccessible to the impoverished population.
The Duke of Wellington persuaded the House of Lords to pass the repeal bill, which became the Importation Act 1846 on June 25, 1846.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Duke of Wellington did persuade the House of Lords to pass the repeal bill, which officially became the Importation Act 1846 on June 25, 1846.
Who was the Prime Minister responsible for the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846?
Answer: Sir Robert Peel
Explanation: Sir Robert Peel, a Conservative Prime Minister, was responsible for achieving the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846.
Which event ultimately forced a resolution to the issue of the Corn Laws?
Answer: The urgent need for new food supplies during the Great Famine in Ireland.
Explanation: The urgent need for new food supplies during the first two years of the Great Famine in Ireland ultimately forced a resolution to the issue of the Corn Laws.
Despite the Great Famine in Ireland in late 1845, what continued to happen with food in Ireland?
Answer: Ireland continued to export substantial quantities of food to Great Britain.
Explanation: Despite the domestic privations of the Great Famine, Ireland continued to export substantial quantities of food to Great Britain, with the core problem being its prohibitive price.
Who persuaded the House of Lords to pass the repeal bill, which officially became the Importation Act 1846?
Answer: The Duke of Wellington
Explanation: The Duke of Wellington persuaded the House of Lords to pass the repeal bill, which officially became the Importation Act 1846.
According to Michael Lusztig, what was Sir Robert Peel's primary motivation for repealing the Corn Laws despite his previous opposition?
Answer: To preserve aristocratic government and prevent radical democratic agitation.
Explanation: According to Michael Lusztig, Sir Robert Peel's motivation for repealing the Corn Laws was to preserve aristocratic government and prevent radical democratic agitation by making necessary reforms.
The repeal of the Corn Laws is viewed by economic historians as a decisive shift towards free trade in Britain.
Answer: True
Explanation: Economic historians indeed view the repeal of the Corn Laws as a decisive shift towards free trade in Britain, moving away from protectionist policies.
A 2021 study indicated that the repeal of the Corn Laws economically benefited the top 10% of income earners in the United Kingdom.
Answer: False
Explanation: A 2021 study indicated that the repeal of the Corn Laws economically benefited the bottom 90% of income earners, while causing income losses for the top 10%.
What significant economic shift in Britain is associated with the repeal of the Corn Laws?
Answer: A decisive shift towards free trade.
Explanation: Economic historians view the repeal of the Corn Laws as a decisive shift towards free trade in Britain.
What immediate political consequence followed the passage of the Importation Act 1846?
Answer: Prime Minister Peel's Irish Coercion Bill was defeated, leading to his resignation.
Explanation: Immediately following the passage of the Importation Act 1846, Prime Minister Peel's Irish Coercion Bill was defeated in the Commons, leading to his subsequent resignation.
To whom did Sir Robert Peel attribute the success of the Corn Laws repeal in his resignation speech?
Answer: Richard Cobden
Explanation: In his resignation speech, Sir Robert Peel attributed the success of the Corn Laws repeal primarily to Richard Cobden.
What was a long-term political impact of the Corn Laws repeal on the Conservative Party?
Answer: It caused a significant division, with Peelites eventually forming the Liberal Party.
Explanation: The repeal of the Corn Laws caused a significant division within the Conservative Party, with the Peelites eventually merging with Whigs and Radicals to form the Liberal Party.
When Benjamin Disraeli became Prime Minister in 1868, what was his stance on reintroducing protectionism?
Answer: He stated that the issue was settled and protection was impracticable.
Explanation: When Benjamin Disraeli became Prime Minister in 1868, he stated that the issue of protectionism was settled and impracticable, despite his earlier opposition to repeal.
What was the average price of wheat in Britain during the two decades following the repeal of the Corn Laws (after 1850)?
Answer: 52 shillings a quarter
Explanation: During the two decades after 1850, the average price of wheat in Britain was 52 shillings a quarter.
Approximately twenty-five years after the repeal, what factor significantly threatened British agriculture?
Answer: The development of cheaper shipping and modernized agricultural machinery.
Explanation: Approximately twenty-five years after the repeal, British agriculture faced a significant threat due to the development of cheaper shipping, faster rail and steamboat transport, and modernized agricultural machinery, enabling vast imports of cheap grain.
How did Britain's dependence on imported grain change by the 1880s for all grains?
Answer: It rose to 45%.
Explanation: Britain's dependence on imported grain rose dramatically after the repeal, reaching 45% by the 1880s for all grains.
How did Robert Ensor characterize the state of British agriculture after the late 1870s?
Answer: As the 'ruin of British agriculture,' 'thrown overboard in a storm'.
Explanation: Robert Ensor characterized the period after the late 1870s as the 'ruin of British agriculture,' describing it as being 'thrown overboard in a storm like an unwanted cargo' due to the 'sudden and overwhelming invasion' of cheap American prairie-wheat.