Question 1
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that
Peel decided to repeal the Corn Laws in 1846 because of the shortage of food.
Source A: A newspaper, which favoured the Tory Party and supported the Corn Laws, voices its suspicions that the Prime Minister was increasingly in favour of repealing the Corn Laws.
Landowners are unwilling to break with the minister (Peel) of their choice. However, the minister will, at no distant date, break with the landowners. Day by day the farmer-chosen minister draws nearer to the ranks of the free-traders. Very soon will landowners be compelled, openly, to adopt the principles of the Anti-Corn Law League, or to look out for new leaders. Better for the owners of the soil if they shall “trust to their own resources”, before these resources shall be utterly dissipated by the actions of those principles of policy with which the name of Sir Robert Peel is identified.
The Morning Post, late 1844.
Source B: In a written note to the ministers in his Cabinet, the prime minister outlines his views on the existing Corn Law.
If we can place confidence in the reports which we have received, there is the prospect of a lamentable deficiency of the ordinary food of the people in many parts of Ireland, and in some parts of this country, and of Scotland. Can we vote public money for the sustenance of any considerable portion of the people on account of actual or feared scarcity, and maintain in full operation the existing restrictions on the free import of grain? I am bound to say my impression is that we cannot. We must make our choice between determined maintenance, modification, and suspension of the existing Corn Law.
Robert Peel, Cabinet memorandum, 1 November 1845.
Source C: In a written note to Queen Victoria, Prince Albert recounts a conversation he had had with Sir Robert Peel the day before.
Peel said the Corn Laws could be maintained no longer and he had meant to make a public declaration to this effect before another general election came on. This was not possible given the speed of events and he had no alternative but to deal with the Corn Laws immediately to avoid a national calamity. The [Anti-Corn Law] League had made immense progress and had enormous means at its disposal. Sir Robert will adopt the principle of the League, that of removing all protection and abolishing monopoly. This was not to favour one class and as a triumph over another, but to the benefit of the nation, farmers as well as manufacturers.
Prince Albert, memorandum, 25 December 1845.
Source D: During the final debate in the House of Commons on the bill to repeal the Corn Laws, the prime minister explains why he supports the bill.
I do not rest my support of the bill upon the temporary ground of scarcity in Ireland. Rather, it is the belief that if the Corn Laws continue there will be a desperate struggle between different classes of society. This has induced me to think that for the benefit of all classes, including the agricultural class itself, it was desirable to resolve this question. These are the motives on which I acted. The mere interests of the landlords and their tenants, important though they are, are subordinate to increasing the comforts, improving the condition and elevating the social character of the millions who subsist by manual labour.
Sir Robert Peel, speech, 15 May 1846.
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