The Anti-Corn Law League was in effect the resumption of the Anti-Corn Law Association, which had been created in London during 1836 but did not obtain widespread popularity. The Anti-Corn Law League was initiated in Manchester during 1838. Richard Cobden and John Bright were the two principal persons of the league while George Wilson, the president of the League, was in charge of administrative duties. Joseph Ivimey, the Superintendent Registrar for St Pancras, was an active member and acted as the League's solicitor.
The goal of the league was the abolition of the Corn Laws; this was achieved during 1846, and on 4 July 1846 the League dissolved itself.
Many of its members continued their political activism in the Liberal Party, with the goal of establishing a fully free-trade economy and thus decreasing the price of basic food products (such as bread and agricultural produce), enhancing the performance of agriculture and industry, and creating stronger commercial relations – supposedly the guarantors of peace – with other nations.
Famous quotes containing the words law and/or league:
“The wit of man has devised cruel statutes,
And nature oft permits what is by law forbid.”
—Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso)
“He will deliver you from six troubles; in seven no harm shall touch you. In famine he will redeem you from death, and in war from the power of the sword. You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes. At destruction and famine you shall laugh, and shall not fear the wild animals of the earth. For you shall be in league with the stones of the field, and the wild animals shall be at peace with you.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Job 5:19-23.