Britain: Effectiveness of Liberal Reforms Flashcards
Liberal Reforms: Introduction
In 1900s, poverty was still a widespread. Issue in Britain with many homes being overcrowded.this contributed to the rampid rise of diseases such as smallpox and influenza.
Single end homes were homes in Scottish cities that had only one room and usually no indoor toilet.
Liberal reforms somewhat successful
Factors - old, young, sick, employed
Young: KU
Many British people believed that young people deserved help as they could not help themselves. Furthermore, helping them would greatly improve the nation as workers would be off work less often and the army recruits would be healthier.
In 1906, the provision of school meals act was passed and allowed councils to - voluntarily - raise taxes to pay for free school meals in their area. In the school year 1908 - 1909, 113 local education authorities out of 328 had raised their taxes and were supplying poor children with free school meals and or milk.
In 1907, the child medical inspection act was passed and meant that a child would receive at least 3 medical inspections during their time at school. This would allow any diseases to be caught early.
Young: A
Provided children with one nutritious meal per day which meant that they would grow into healthy adults.
Young: A+
However, the meals were only provided during term time - not during holidays. This meant that many children were stuck in a cycle of being healthy during term time but being malnourished during holidays and returning to schools unhealthy.
Young: Ev
1908 children’s charter meant that children were prevented from neglect and abuse. They introduced a variety of measures, including that children were not allowed to buy alcohol or cigarettes. This meant that they were safeguarded from many behaviours that could severely damage their health.
Employed: KU
Workers had little protection or support if they were injured at work. Furthermore, lack of regulations caused many workers to work extremely long hours for little pay.
1906 workmen’s compensation act meant that employees could receive compensation for injuries and illnesses sustained at work. In 1908, the coal mines regulations act meant that a miner’s work day could only be 8 hours.
Employed: A
Workers not put in danger of injuries for prolonged periods of time of time. Also reduced the possibility of fatigue related injuries occurring in the mining industries.
Employed: A+
Limite to miners, not any other workers at collieries. Did not impact a large number of people
Employed: Ev
1911 shops act granted workers a weekly half-day holiday with a maximum work week being 60 hours. This prevented workers from being over exploited by their employer. However, the cut in hours had the wages cut, therefore, more workers were at risk of falling into poverty.
Old: KU
Many people believed that those who had worked all their lives should not die in poverty.
In 1908, the old age pensions act was introduced and men and women over age of 70 could qualify. To qualify, you had to have lived in the uk for 20 years, not have made yourself poor to receive the benefit, not been imprisoned or convicted under the inebriates act and not actively avoided work when able.
It was provided at a rate of 1 to 5 shillings per week - depending on the persons income. Couples received roughly 7 shillings per week.
Old: A
The pensions provided meant that elderly people would not fall into poverty due to being out of work. They could get by and afford essentials
Old: A+
However, the booth report found that a minimum of 5 shillings per week was required to keep someone out of poverty. Therefore, the benefits provided were too low.
Sick: KU
Before the liberal reforms, most British people did not have access to adequate healthcare and so any diseases or illness they faced would go undiagnosed and untreated - often making it worse with time. This prevented them from working.
In 1911, the national insurance act part 1 was introduced and was eligible for workers aged 16 - 60. Earning less than £160 per year. It was established with a contributory system whereby workers would contribute 4 pence per week, employers 3 pence per week, and the government 2 pence per week.
The act also introduced a maternity grant of 30 shillings and provided free medical treatment.
Sick: A
The medical treatment provided meant that people could get back to work and not fall into poverty
Sick: A+
However, the payments only ran for 26 weeks so people that could not work due to terminal illnesses were not taken into account.
