Final answer:
The rise in foodgrain prices in late nineteenth-century Britain was influenced by the Corn Laws, economic fluctuations like the Panic of 1857, and demographics such as industrialization and population growth, as well as changes in transportation and global market dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Responsible for the Price Rise of Foodgrains in Britain in the Late Nineteenth Century
The price rise of foodgrains in Britain during the late nineteenth century can be attributed to multiple factors. Some key causes include:
- Legislative Influences: The Corn Laws enacted in 1815 prohibited the importation of grain, which kept domestic prices high as the law benefited the land-owning gentry who pushed for its implementation. This contributed significantly to the cost of food.
- Economic Fluctuations: Events such as the Panic of 1857, which followed the end of the Crimean War, affected grain exports and resulted in a slump in the market. Decreased demand led to economic distress and higher grain prices.
- Industrialization and Population Growth: Britain's industrial growth and the subsequent urbanization led to an increased demand for food. Coupled with substantial population growth, this strained the food supply and contributed to rising prices.
Moreover, innovations in transportation allowed for the longer-distance movement of food, causing changes in food consumption patterns and dependence on specific sources for foodgrains. Fluctuations in global markets also impacted food availability and prices in the domestic market.