. Population growth from the late 18th century had increased the demand for food grains in Britain. . As urban centres expanded and industries grew, the demand for agricultural products increased, pushing up food grain prices. . Under pressure from landed groups, the government also restricted the import of corn. . The laws allowing the government to do this were commonly known as ‘Corn Laws’. . Unhappy with high food prices, industrialists and urban dwellers forced the abolition of the Corn Laws. Effects: 1.After the Corn Laws were scrapped, food could be imported into Britain more cheaply than it could be produced within the country 2.British agriculture was unable to compete with imports. 3.Vast areas of land were now left uncultivated and thousands of men and women were thrown out of work. They flocked the cities or migrated overseas.