Discuss the reasons for, and the consequences of, the Repeal of the Corn Laws (1846).

Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for and the consequences of the repeal of the Corn Laws. There may be some imbalance between reasons and consequences of repeal, but both should be discussed. Reasons could include long-standing criticism of the Corn Laws because they protected the interests of landowners and made food expensive, and the Irish Famine (1845) that highlighted this and gave the Anti Corn Law League impetus. Another reason was the determination of Peel to repeal the laws despite opposition in his party. The consequences were a reduction in the price of bread and, in the longer term, questions about the role of agriculture in the economy. The political consequences were also significant; the Conservatives split, with Peel and his followers leaving the Party. The Conservatives were unable to win a parliamentary majority until 1874.