Document Analysis: Lord Liverpool-Corn-Bill-1815
This paper seeks to critically analyze the document titles, “Lord Liverpool corn bill, 1815.” The document is a historical one, recorded in the Hansard of the House of Lords on March 15, 1815. It is an excerpt from a bill that was being debated on the House of Lords about possible importation of corn into the country from Ireland and other places. The document brings out the theme of nationalism and independence among the people of England.
As highlighted, the document under analysis was recorded in the Hansard of the house of Lords in 1815. The text focuses on the sentiments by Lord Earl of Liverpool when he rose to debate on the bill about the potential importation of corn from Ireland. His main argument was based on making the country independent of external reliance while at the same time taking care of the interests of the agricultural laborers. That debate came at a time when the United Kingdom faced a shortage in grain supply, and the house of Lords had the mandate to deliberate on the matter and find a solution. According to Earl, the underlying issue about the bill was not on the interests of the English landlord or the Irish landlord. Though he did not mean to undervalue their commerce and manufactures, Earl sought to drive across the point of nationalism and independence by stating that the country should rid itself of external reliance on corn and strive to make itself self-reliant. According to him, the general interests of the empire, the interests of its agriculture farmers, and the broad interests of the great mass of consumers in the whole United Kingdom were paramount compared to the interests of Irish farmers. Such sentiments portray a great deal of patriotism and nationalism.
The sentiments by Earl, as recorded in the Hansard, meant to instill a sense of nationalism and independence to the members of the house of Lords. Earl, articulates the points so well, bringing out a sense of patriotism. He reminds the members that the underlying principle of the bill was about making the United Kingdom independent of external corn supplies. He advises the house that it would be better to lower the prices of corn in the United Kingdom and incur higher production costs than to import corn from Ireland.
The speaker uses imagery to pass his message. For instance, he reminds the house that at the close of the American war, it was said that the sun of the United Kingdom had set never to rise again. However, such an assertion had been debunked by events. Relying on its resources, the United Kingdom had managed to carry on successfully a twenty-years’ war. It is out of this fact that the speaker was calling upon the members of the house to find a way to provide resources to the people, the support which the country was in a position to offer.
Besides, the document being recorded in the Hansard shows that the speaker wanted it to impact not only the then-current generation but also the future generations. That is because Hansards are permanent records that can be retrieved at any time in history. For instance, this document was recorded in 1815, yet, in 2020, it is still available for reference. Current generations can also refer to the report and learn about the values of nationalism and independence. According to the speaker, sovereignty and nationalism are important than short term gratification. Besides, he alludes that freedom brings honor and renown. The setting of the document intended to not only help the current generations then but also the future ones.
In conclusion, the analyzed document is in the setting of the house of commons. The speaker passionately appeals for nationalism and independence of the United Kingdom from external reliance. The key themes coming out from the speaker’s argument are nationalism and patriotism. He appeals to his colleagues to find local solutions to the country’s grain shortage. However, being a political-related speech, it is challenging to know whether the speaker is nationalistic or his sentiments were politically motivated with an aim to please a particular political class. Such a question can only be answered by analyzing the conduct and other speeches of the speaker.
Reference
Earl of Liverpool. (1815). House of Lords Debate on the Corn Bill. Hansard, xxx, col. 175-205