Routledge - Politics and Trade in Britain, 1776-1914: Volume I

Explore a transformative era of British history with this academic volume from Routledge. This book examines the period from Adam Smith's publication of The Wealth of Nations in 1776 through the early days of the Anti-Corn Law League campaign. It provides a detailed look at the commercial policy debates that shaped the nation on the eve of the 1841 General Election. Readers will follow the development of free trade sentiment and the growing opposition to traditional monopolies, such as the old Chartered Companies. The text covers the movement toward liberal bilateral commercial treaties and the significant impact of the protectionist Corn Laws imposed in 1815. This volume is an essential resource for understanding the tension between Conservative and Liberal party platforms regarding trade and economic policy during these decades.