1811-1889. British Liberal politician, a
campaigner for free trade, peace, and social
reform. A Quaker millowner, he was among the
founders of the Anti-Corn Law League in 1839,
and was largely
instrumental in securing the passage of the
Reform Bill of 1867. After entering
Parliament in 1843 Bright led the struggle
there for free trade, together with Richard
Cobden, which achieved success in 1846. His
laissez-faire principles also made him a
prominent opponent of factory reform. His
influence was constantly exerted on behalf of
peace, as when he opposed the Crimean War,
Palmerston's aggressive policy in China,
Disraeli's anti-Russian policy, and the
bombardment of Alexandria. During the
American Civil War he was outspoken in
support of the North. He sat in Gladstone's
cabinets as president of the Board of Trade
1868-70 and chancellor of the Duchy of
Lancaster 1873-74 and 1880-82, but broke with
him over the Irish Home Rule Bill. Bright
owed much of his influence to his skill as a
speaker.