Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Britain repealed the Corn Laws because industrialists and urban dwellers were unhappy with high food grain prices caused by restricted imports. Population growth had increased demand for food, pushing up prices. These groups pressurised the government to abolish the laws so that cheaper food could be imported.

Impact on British farmers: After the Corn Laws were scrapped, food could be imported more cheaply than it could be produced domestically. British agriculture could not compete with cheap imports. Vast areas of land were left uncultivated, and thousands of men and women were thrown out of work. Many migrated to cities or emigrated overseas.

Source: Chapter 3, Section 2.1 — A World Economy Takes Shape

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• The question has two parts — reason for repeal + impact on farmers — so address both clearly. Examiners will check for both.
• Key terms to use: Corn Laws, import restrictions, food prices, industrialists/urban dwellers, competition, uncultivated land, migration.
• Don't mix up the global impact (lands cleared in America/Australia) with the impact on British farmers — the question asks specifically about British farmers.
• For 3 marks: ~2 sentences on reason + ~3 sentences on impact is the right balance.