Robert Ross Rowan Moore facts for kids

Robert Ross Rowan Moore (born December 23, 1811 – died August 6, 1864) was an important Irish thinker. He studied and wrote about how countries manage their money and resources, which is called political economy. He believed in ideas that could help people and improve society.

Early Life and Education

Robert Ross Rowan Moore was born in Dublin, Ireland, on December 23, 1811. He was the oldest son of William Moore. When he was 16, in 1828, he went to the Luxemburg School near Dublin.

Later, in 1831, he started studying at Trinity College, Dublin. He worked hard and earned his degree in 1835. While at college, he was a regular speaker at the Dublin University Debating Society. This was a group where students discussed important ideas. Robert often debated his friend, Thomas Osborne Davis. Robert believed that Ireland would be more successful if it worked closely with Great Britain. He thought this was better than Ireland becoming completely independent at that time.

Becoming a Political Economist

After college, Robert Moore taught students for a while in a place called Carlow. He then began to study law and became a lawyer in 1837. However, he soon decided that his real passion was political economy. This field looks at how governments and societies make decisions about money, trade, and resources.

In 1839, Robert gave a public talk in Dublin. It was about the benefits of "Mechanics' Institutions." These were places where working people could learn new skills and gain knowledge. His talk was later published as a book.

Fighting for Freedom

Robert Moore also became involved in the movement against slavery. He joined an Irish anti-slavery group. In 1841, he traveled to Limerick to speak out against a plan. This plan wanted to send young workers, called apprentices, to the West Indies. They would work there under a system called "indentured labor." This meant they were forced to work for a certain period, often in harsh conditions, which was very similar to slavery. Robert strongly opposed this idea.

Working for Free Trade

Robert Moore met George Thompson, another important activist. Thompson then introduced him to John Bright, a famous politician. Robert also became friends with Richard Cobden. These connections led him to join the Anti-Cornlaw League. This group worked to remove special taxes on imported grain, known as the Corn Laws. They believed these laws made food too expensive for ordinary people.

In December 1841, Robert gave his first big speech about "free trade" in Dublin. Free trade means that goods can be bought and sold between countries without high taxes or restrictions. He argued that removing the Corn Laws would help everyone. For the next five years, he traveled all over England and Scotland, giving speeches for the Anti-Cornlaw League. In 1844, he even spoke at the famous Covent Garden Theatre in London.

Running for Parliament

Because of his strong speeches, Robert was asked to become a candidate for Parliament in Hastings. In March 1844, he ran in an election there, but he did not win the seat.

When the Corn Laws were finally removed in 1846, Robert Moore stayed in England. He visited Ireland sometimes but mostly stopped his public work because his health was not good. He helped another writer, John Lewis Ricardo, with his book called The Anatomy of the Navigation Laws, which was published in 1847.

Later Life and Family

Robert Ross Rowan Moore passed away in Bath, Somerset on August 6, 1864. He was buried next to his father in Mount Jerome Cemetery.

On January 1, 1845, Robert Moore married Rebecca Fisher. They had met when he was in Limerick. They moved to a house near Manchester, which was a good location for his work with the Anti-Cornlaw League. They had one son, who later became a famous doctor named Norman Moore.