THE ECONOMISTS AND THE COMBINATION LAWS: A REAPPRAISAL

The repeal of the British Combination Laws in 1824 is generally considered by historians as landmark modern trade unionism, and has been attributed to contributions classical political economists. In sole article that addressed this issue field history economic thought, William Grampp reached opposite conclusion, according which influence economists (John Ramsay McCulloch, David Ricardo, Thomas Robert Malthus, Torrens, Nassau Senior) on was actually small. Resituating debates over their context, we try show, despite relatively reduced volume economists’ direct contributions, were clearly favorable measure, how “political economy” played a significant role achievement repeal. doing so, offer reflection methodology used study ideas public policy.