Liberal Effectiveness Flashcards
(30 cards)
What reports highlighted the extent of poverty in Britain before 1906?
The Booth and Rowntree Reports.
What attitude did the Liberal Reforms of 1906–1914 begin to move away from?
Laissez-faire (non-interventionist government policy).
Which groups did the Liberal reforms aim to help?
The young, old, sick, employed, and unemployed.
What was the purpose of the 1906 Education (Provision of Meals) Act?
To provide free school meals to needy children.
How many free school meals were provided annually by 1914?
14 million.
Why was the 1906 Education Act effective?
It improved children’s health and ability to learn, easing pressure on poor families.
What did the 1907 School Medical Inspection Act do?
Mandated at least 3 medical inspections per child during their school career.
What was a major limitation of the 1907 School Medical Inspection Act?
It did not provide free treatment until 1912.
What was the impact of the 1908 Children’s Charter?
Protected children from neglect and criminalisation, including banning smoking and drinking under age 16.
Why were reforms for the young considered most successful?
They improved health, legal protection, and were widely accepted by the public.
What did the 1908 Old Age Pensions Act provide?
Up to 5 shillings per week for single people and 7s 6d for couples over 70.
How was the 1908 pension funded?
Through taxation, especially affecting the wealthy.
What were the limitations of the Old Age Pensions Act?
Restricted to those over 70 who had worked regularly and had no criminal record.
Why was the pension insufficient for many elderly people?
It was below Rowntree’s poverty line and most people died before age 70.
What did the 1911 National Insurance Act Part 1 introduce?
Health insurance including sick pay and free medical treatment for workers.
How much sick pay was provided under the National Insurance Act?
10 shillings per week for 26 weeks.
What were the limitations of National Insurance Part 1?
Only insured workers, not families or self-employed; benefits were time-limited.
What was the purpose of the 1906 Workmen’s Compensation Act?
Gave injured workers compensation until they could return to work.
Why was the Workmen’s Compensation Act difficult to enforce?
Many employers refused to accept liability and contested claims.
What did the 1908 Coal Mines Act do?
Limited miners’ working hours to 8 per day.
What was the effect of the Coal Mines Act?
Reduced accidents due to exhaustion.
What did the 1909 Trade Boards Act introduce?
Minimum wages in low-paid “sweated” trades like tailoring and lace-making.
Why was the Trades Board Act significant for women?
It improved income and conditions for many women in low-paid jobs.
What did the 1911 Shops Act do?
Gave shop workers half a day off each week and limited hours to 60 per week.
