The Rise and Decline of the Free Trade Movement

William Cunningham (1849?1919) was a prominent British economist and economic historian. In this book, which was first published in 1905 as the second edition of a 1904 original, Cunningham presents a historical discussion of the free trade movement and its limitations in the light of contemporary economic developments. Profiles of Adam Smith and Richard Cobden are included, together with detailed notes, which are incorporated throughout. The text was based upon a series of lectures delivered at Cambridge University during the Michaelmas Term of 1903. It will be of value to anyone with an interest in economic history and perspectives on free trade.

Introduction; 1. Pitt and the revolted colonies; 2. Huskisson and tariff reform; 3. Peel and restrictive regulations; 4. Cobden and commercial treaties; 5. Is one-sided free trade expedient for England?; 6. Expert opinion; 7. An imperial system; The real Richard Cobden; Back to Adam Smith.