Manchester School meaning

The Manchester School refers to a group of economists who advocated for free-market principles and classical liberalism in the 19th century.


Manchester School definitions

Word backwards retsehcnaM loohcS
Part of speech The term "Manchester School" can function as a proper noun or a noun phrase.
Syllabic division Man-ches-ter School
Plural The plural of Manchester School is Manchester Schools.
Total letters 16
Vogais (3) a,e,o
Consonants (9) m,n,c,h,s,t,r,l

The Manchester School was a group of economists who flourished in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Manchester, England. They were proponents of classical liberalism and free-market capitalism, and their ideas had a significant influence on economic thought.

Origins and Key Figures

The Manchester School was led by economists such as Richard Cobden, John Bright, and John Barton, who championed free trade, minimal government intervention in the economy, and the abolition of protectionist policies.

Free Trade

One of the central tenets of the Manchester School was the belief in free trade as the key to economic prosperity. They argued that by removing barriers to trade, such as tariffs and quotas, countries could specialize in producing goods in which they had a comparative advantage, leading to increased efficiency and wealth creation.

Laissez-Faire Capitalism

In line with their support for free trade, the members of the Manchester School advocated for a laissez-faire approach to economic policy. They believed that government intervention in the economy was harmful and that markets should be allowed to operate freely, with minimal regulation.

Impact and Legacy

The ideas of the Manchester School had a lasting impact on economic policy and thought. Their advocacy for free trade and capitalism influenced the repeal of the Corn Laws in the United Kingdom in 1846, paving the way for further trade liberalization.

Global Influence

The principles of the Manchester School also had a global reach, shaping economic policies in countries around the world. Their emphasis on free markets and limited government intervention continues to be debated and implemented in various forms in the modern era.

Overall, the Manchester School was a pioneering force in the development of classical liberal economics and played a crucial role in shaping economic thought during its time and beyond.


Manchester School Examples

  1. The Manchester School of Economics is known for its focus on free-market principles.
  2. Students at the Manchester School of Art have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
  3. The Manchester School of Theatre offers a variety of performance opportunities for its students.
  4. The Manchester School of Architecture is renowned for its innovative design projects.
  5. The Manchester School of Law provides top-tier legal education to its students.
  6. The Manchester School of Business Administration prepares students for leadership roles in the corporate world.
  7. The Manchester School of Medicine is known for its cutting-edge research and medical education programs.
  8. The Manchester School of Engineering offers a wide range of engineering disciplines for students to specialize in.
  9. The Manchester School of Music is home to talented musicians and composers.
  10. The Manchester School of Computing provides students with the skills needed for success in the tech industry.


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  • Updated 05/04/2024 - 00:46:29