The Corn Laws

 
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Extracts from Wikipedia:

"The Corn Laws were import tariffs designed to protect corn (grain) prices in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland against competition from less expensive foreign imports between 1815 and 1846.[1] The tariffs were introduced by the Importation Act 1815 (55 Geo. 3 c. 26) and repealed by the Importation Act 1846 (9 & 10 Vict. c. 22). These laws are often viewed as examples of British mercantilism,2 and their abolition marked a significant step towards free trade. The Corn Laws enhanced the profits and political power associated with land ownership "

"With the advent of peace in 1814, corn prices dropped, and the Tory government of Lord Liverpool passed the 1815 Corn Law. This led to serious rioting in London4 and - alongside the issue of suffrage - the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester.[citation needed]"

 
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