Robert Peel and the Rise of Free Trade

 

I. Introduction

II. Ministry of Robert Peel

     A. Governing Attitude

     B. Addressing the Economic Slump

          1. Reestablishing the Income Tax

          2. Lowering Consumption Taxes

     C. Revolts within the Tory Party

          1. Backbench MPs

          2. 1844 Factory Act

III. Anti-Corn Law League

     A. Three Arguments against Corn Law

     B. Direct Electoral Pressure

     C. Paying the Political Price

IV. Ireland and the Famine

      A. Peel’s Approach to Ireland

           1. Home Rule

           2. Maynooth Grant Controversy 

      B. Coming of the Famine 

V. Repeal of the Corn Laws

     A. Famine and Timing of Repeal

     B. What Kind of Britain?

     C. Final Vote on Repeal 

VI. Conclusions

 

 

 

Key Terms

Robert Peel

income tax

1844 Factory Act

Ten Hour Movement

Anti-Corn Law League

Richard Cobden

Maynooth Grant

Peelite Conservatives

 

 

 


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