Richard Cobden was a British politician and a leading advocate for free trade in the 19th century. Born in 1804, he played a significant role in the repeal of the Corn Laws, which imposed tariffs on imported grain, making food more expensive for the working class. Cobden believed that free trade would promote peace and prosperity by fostering economic interdependence among nations. In addition to his work on trade, Cobden was a strong supporter of social reform and civil liberties. He co-founded the Anti-Corn Law League and was involved in various campaigns for education and social justice. Cobden's ideas influenced economic policy in Britain and contributed to the development of modern liberalism.