Problems Liverpool faced from 1812-1819
1815 Corn Laws:
During the Napoleonic wars all corn had to be produced within Britain, as they needed to be
self-sufficient, however after the war once Britain began trading again, they feared an influx
of cheap corn from abroad would ruin landowners. The corn laws limited imports of corn
and put high taxation on it, thus guaranteed landowner profits at a pre-war level keeping the
prices of corn high.
Who did it benefit?
Landowning aristocracy benefited from this as it meant they could charge high prices for
their corn, but it would still be cheaper than the now more expensive imported corn forcing
people to buy theirs instead. It enhanced their profits and in turn their political power.
Who did it hurt?
This was very damaging to the working class as at this point Britain’s economy was at a low
point because of the funding for the war meaning people were poorer than usual and an
increase of corn prices made it harder for them to sustain themselves.
How did other countries respond to this?
This created an unsettlement with other countries in relation to Britain and they would start
putting high tariffs on their imports which in turn highly effected industry profits.
1816 Repeal of income tax:
Income tax had been introduced in 1799 during the French wars as a temporary measure to
help pay for the war, with promise that it would be abolished at the end of the war as it was
unpopular with tory MPs. It made a lot of money for the government and was fairer than
many taxes as it was based on income. Liverpool wanted to keep it however parliament
voted to abolish it and to make up for this loss of income indirect taxes were increased on
daily good such as sugar, food, beer, etc.
Who did this benefit?
This benefited the upper and middle class as they had higher income rates so in turn had to
pay the most tax.
Who did this hurt?
By getting rid of income tax and daily necessities increasing it highly increased the cost of
living which many could barely afford as it was due to the corn laws.
1816 Game Laws:
In rural areas ‘poaching’ was considered a legitimate way of putting food on the table. the
game laws punished those caught poaching with imprisonment or transportation to
Australia for up to seven years. These laws were very unpopular especially as they came at a
time of economic hardship and poor harvest.
Who did it benefit?
1815 Corn Laws:
During the Napoleonic wars all corn had to be produced within Britain, as they needed to be
self-sufficient, however after the war once Britain began trading again, they feared an influx
of cheap corn from abroad would ruin landowners. The corn laws limited imports of corn
and put high taxation on it, thus guaranteed landowner profits at a pre-war level keeping the
prices of corn high.
Who did it benefit?
Landowning aristocracy benefited from this as it meant they could charge high prices for
their corn, but it would still be cheaper than the now more expensive imported corn forcing
people to buy theirs instead. It enhanced their profits and in turn their political power.
Who did it hurt?
This was very damaging to the working class as at this point Britain’s economy was at a low
point because of the funding for the war meaning people were poorer than usual and an
increase of corn prices made it harder for them to sustain themselves.
How did other countries respond to this?
This created an unsettlement with other countries in relation to Britain and they would start
putting high tariffs on their imports which in turn highly effected industry profits.
1816 Repeal of income tax:
Income tax had been introduced in 1799 during the French wars as a temporary measure to
help pay for the war, with promise that it would be abolished at the end of the war as it was
unpopular with tory MPs. It made a lot of money for the government and was fairer than
many taxes as it was based on income. Liverpool wanted to keep it however parliament
voted to abolish it and to make up for this loss of income indirect taxes were increased on
daily good such as sugar, food, beer, etc.
Who did this benefit?
This benefited the upper and middle class as they had higher income rates so in turn had to
pay the most tax.
Who did this hurt?
By getting rid of income tax and daily necessities increasing it highly increased the cost of
living which many could barely afford as it was due to the corn laws.
1816 Game Laws:
In rural areas ‘poaching’ was considered a legitimate way of putting food on the table. the
game laws punished those caught poaching with imprisonment or transportation to
Australia for up to seven years. These laws were very unpopular especially as they came at a
time of economic hardship and poor harvest.
Who did it benefit?
