Richard Cobden (Cobden Richard)

(1804-1865)
Born June 3, 1804 near Midhersta (Sussex) in the family farmer. From 1828 chintz was trading in London. Had printwork in Manchester
. In the early period of its activity Cobden tried to improve the functioning of municipal bodies in Manchester, was one of the leaders founded in 1839 Anti-Corn Law League, whose members have advocated the abolition of duties on imported grain in England
.

In 1841, Cobden became a member of Parliament and continued to campaign for free trade, which in 1846 led to the abolition of the Corn Laws, which marked the end of an era of protectionism. In 1860 it managed to achieve the conclusion of the Anglo-French treaty, which contributed to free trade in the UK.

In Parliament Cobden supported key internal reforms such as the abolition of taxes on the publication of newspapers, universal free primary education. He played for the reduction in defense spending, supporting the mediation mission, insisted on the reform of maritime law. Consistent opponents of the colonial policy of Britain, condemned the arrogant attitude to the weaker states, rejecting interference in the affairs of other countries, opposed the Anglo-Chinese and the Crimean War. Cobden took an active part in international peace congresses, conducted by the National Society of the world. Among the works Cobden - England, Ireland and America (England, Ireland and America, 1835), Russia (Russia, 1836); 1793 and 1853 (1793 and 1853, in Three Letters, 1853).

Cobden died in London on April 2, 1865.