A movement to bring about the repeal of the duties on imported grain in Britain known as the Corn Laws. Founded in Manchester in 1839 under Richard Cobden and John Bright, the League conducted a remarkably successful campaign. A combination of bad harvests, trade depression, and the Irish Famine strengthened the League’s position and in 1846 the Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel, was persuaded to abolish the Corn Laws. The expected slump in agriculture did not take place.