Lesson Plan: Richard Cobden

In this lesson, students will learn about the positive and negative effects of free trade, as well as the 19th century British politician and businessman who helped transform Britain into a free-trading nation.

Sean Kinnard — Aug 30, 2022

You can find a PDF of this lesson plan here.

Featured article: Heroes of Progress, Pt. 9: Richard Cobden by Alexander C. R. Hammond

Warm-up

Have you ever heard of Richard Cobden? Probably not. Watch this short video about him from HumanProgress.org.

In partners, in small groups, or as a whole class, answer these questions:

What was the prevailing economic system that Cobden was advocating against?
Which powerful groups in Great Britain do you think were opposed to repealing the Corn Laws? Why do you think these groups were opposed to revoking them?
What parallels do you see between the Corn Laws and tariffs on imported products today?

How much do you know about free trade? Why do most economists and policymakers think free trade is such a good thing? What are some of the downsides of free trade? Watch this video and then answer the following questions.

How is free trade an extension of a free-market economy?
Think about the many ways that free trade benefits consumers, companies, and the economies of entire countries. Complete the chart below.

Aspect of free trade	How does this aspect of free trade *benefit* consumers, companies, and whole economies?
Comparative advantage
Specialization
Efficiency
Economies of scale
Competition

Now reflect on how free trade harms consumers, companies, and the economies of entire countries. Complete the chart below.

Aspect of free trade	How does this aspect of free trade *harm* consumers, companies, and whole economies?
Dependency
Overspecialization
Dumping
Race to the bottom
Competition

Questions for reading, writing, and discussion

Read the article, then answer the following questions:

Think about context. What was going on in Britain in the early 19th century that allowed Richard Cobden to become rich in such a short time?
Why is it significant that Cobden ended up in Manchester after he had made his fortune?
What happened in 1840–1842 that convinced many people that the Corn Laws should be thrown out?
Which socioeconomic group benefited the most from the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846?
What were the short- and long-term historical effects of the free trade agreement that Cobden negotiated with France?

Extension Activity/Homework

Take a Stand on Free Trade

First, read this 2016 article from Harvard Business Review about the history of free trade in the United States.

Then, imagine that you are running for senator of your state. As senator, you will be responsible for signing off on any trade treaty negotiated by the president. Your state has a large population and a diverse economy partly based on trade with other countries.

As senator, what will be your position on free trade? Do you think the benefits outweigh the costs? Why or why not?

Write a short essay for the voters of your state explaining your position on free trade. This essay will be published on the op-ed page of the most-read newspaper in your state. Remember that your opponent will refute your position, so include counterarguments and explain why they are wrong.

Analyze a Data Set and Graph

Visual literacy is the ability to create meaning from images. You will practice this skill by analyzing a data set about Trade and Globalization on the website Our World in Data. First, go to the page on Trade and Globalization. Choose one data set you are interested in and look at its accompanying image (e.g., graph, map, or table).

After examining the image and reading its description, answer the following questions:

What information is being presented in the data set and graphic?
What are the patterns of trendlines over time?
What historical developments impacted this data? For example, on the data set showing European exports, there is a sharp dip in 1940–1945 due to World War II.
How is this information important to our understanding of global trade?
Why did you choose to analyze this particular information set?

The Guardian | Quality of Government

Whales Are Doing So Well They No Longer Need The International Whaling Commission, Says Former Head

Sep 12, 2024

“Studies of whale populations make it clear that virtually all species are now increasing. Humpback numbers have risen sharply, along with blue and minke whales. The main exception is the North Atlantic right whale, which has suffered badly from vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.

However, the rest of the world’s whales are doing well, said Bridgewater. ‘Species numbers have bounced back since the moratorium to varying degrees levels. And that is the point of our message to the IWC: ‘You have done your job. It’s been really good work. You have got a result. Now it is time to hang up things and go with dignity.’’

From The Guardian.

Bloomberg | Energy Production

Swiss Plan to Allow Construction of New Nuclear Plants

Sep 4, 2024

“The Swiss government wants to cancel a ban on building new nuclear plants that’s been in place since 2018.

Switzerland currently has four aging nuclear plants, and also relies heavily on renewable sources for its energy supply. At a meeting on Wednesday, the government announced it will propose the changes to current legislation by the end of the year, with parliament set to discuss them in 2025 before the issue is likely put to a referendum.”

From Bloomberg.

CNN | Communicable Disease

FDA Authorizes First Over-the-Counter Home Syphilis Test

Aug 22, 2024

“The US Food and Drug Administration authorized the first at-home over-the-counter test for syphilis Friday.

Until now, people who suspected that they had the sexually transmitted infection had to go to a doctor to get tested. With the new test from the biotech company NOWDiagnostics, it will take the user just 15 minutes and a single drop of blood to determine whether they have syphilis.”

From CNN.

Associated Press | Health & Medical Care

FDA Approves Nasal Spray to Treat Dangerous Allergic Reactions

Aug 15, 2024

“Neffy is intended for people who weigh at least 66 pounds. It is given in a single dose sprayed into one nostril. A second dose can be given if the person’s symptoms don’t improve.

The new treatment could be life-changing for people with severe food allergies, said Dr. Kelly Cleary, a pediatrician and director with the Food Allergy Research & Education, a nonprofit advocacy group.

‘I have seen the look of worry or fear,’ said Cleary, whose 11-year-old son has multiple food allergies. ‘I worry about what happens if someone hesitates.’

Requiring an injection in an emergency is as scary to some children as the allergic reaction itself. Some parents have had to restrain thrashing children to inject them, sometimes causing cuts that require stitches. About 3,500 caregivers a year are injured when they accidentally inject themselves in the hands, ARS said.”

From Associated Press.