What motivated the banning of wheat for brewing in England between 1677 and 1880?

The motivation for banning wheat for brewing in England between 1677 and 1880 was primarily driven by government regulation aimed at ensuring food supply. During this period, there were significant concerns about the availability of food resources, particularly bread, which was a staple in the diet of the population. The use of wheat in brewing could potentially reduce the amount available for bread-making, leading to food shortages.

To mitigate this risk, the government implemented regulations to prioritize the supply of wheat for consumption as food over its use in alcoholic beverages. This decision reflected the broader socioeconomic context of the time, where maintaining a stable food supply was critical for public welfare and social stability. Regulatory actions were often taken in response to agricultural conditions, and in this case, the focus was on safeguarding the staple food needs of the population rather than addressing other concerns such as barley production or health-related issues in brewing.

This choice aligns with the historical understanding of the economic and social policies of the time, asserting that food security was paramount, which resulted in legislative measures like the ban on using wheat for brewing.