the proponent of free trade policy was

The main proponent of the free trade policy was Adam Smith, who is considered one of the earliest and most influential advocates. He argued in "The Wealth of Nations" (1776) that countries should specialize in producing goods for which they have a cost advantage and trade freely with others to maximize economic efficiency and prosperity. Following Adam Smith, David Ricardo further developed the theory with his principle of comparative advantage, strengthening the intellectual foundation for free trade. In the 19th century, English politician Richard Cobden was also a notable proponent, linking free trade with peace and opposing tariffs like the Corn Laws in Britain. These figures collectively shaped the classical liberal economic support for free trade policy.