Corn Laws and Political Economy

Name: Corn Laws and Political Economy
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work critiques the Corn Laws, emphasizing the distinction between commerce involving luxuries and the necessity of self-sufficiency for a state. It argues that while free trade is essential for luxury goods, it becomes problematic when applied to essential commodities. A nation reliant on another for necessities compromises its independence, likening such dependence to slavery. The text warns against the dangers of modern political economy, particularly Malthusian principles, which it claims undermine national sovereignty and self-sufficiency. The author uses historical examples to illustrate the risks of prioritizing economic interests over national integrity, suggesting that the pursuit of profit can lead to a loss of autonomy and identity. The work ultimately advocates for a balanced approach to trade that recognizes the importance of national self-sufficiency in maintaining true independence and stability.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1834 · Genre: Political Economy, Political Philosophy, Economics · 350 words

First lines

In the argument on the Corn Laws there is a [Greek: metazasis eis allo gevos]. It may be admitted that the great principles of commerce require the interchange of commodities to be free; but commerce, which is barter, has no proper range beyond luxuries or conveniences; -- it is properly the complement to the full existence and development of a state. But how can it be shown that the principles applicable to an interchange of conveniences or luxuries apply also to an interchange of necessaries? No state can be such properly, which is not self-subsistent at least; for no state that is not so, is essentially independent. The nation that cannot even exist without the commodity of another nation, is in effect the slave of that other nation. In common times, indeed, pecuniary interest will prevail, and prevent a ruinous exercise of the power which the nation supplying the necessary must have over the nation which has only the convenience or luxury to return; but such interest, both in individuals and nations, will yield to many stronger passions. Is Holland any authority to the contrary? If so, Tyre and Sidon and Carthage were so! Would you put England on a footing with a country, which can be overrun in a campaign, and starved in a year?

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Corn Laws and Political Economy is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1834 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1834 CE
Language: English
Genres: Political Economy, Political Philosophy, Economics, Social Critique, Historical Analysis
Length: 350 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Political Economy — The book directly addresses the principles of commerce and the implications of the Corn Laws on national independence and economic theory.
Political Philosophy — It explores the relationship between commerce, state independence, and the moral implications of economic policies.
Economics — The text discusses economic principles, particularly regarding trade and the exchange of commodities.
Social Critique — It critiques the impact of economic policies on society and national identity.