Liberal Motives Flashcards
(30 cards)
What was the state of Britain by 1900 despite its wealth?
Most citizens lived in extreme poverty and poor health.
What was the government’s previous approach to poverty before Liberal reforms?
Laissez-faire — they did not interfere in social issues.
Name the four main reasons the Liberals introduced social reforms.
Booth & Rowntree’s surveys, Municipal Socialism, fears over national security/efficiency, New Liberalism.
What did Charles Booth’s poverty research prove?
Poverty was due to low pay, unemployment, sickness, and old age — not laziness.
Why was Booth’s research significant to the government?
It showed poverty existed near Parliament and called for state pensions
What did Rowntree’s study in York reveal?
One-third lived in poverty; added large families and death of wage earner as causes.
Why was Rowntree’s research important?
It showed poverty wasn’t just a London problem — it was nationwide.
What was a limitation of Booth and Rowntree’s surveys?
They only focused on two cities, limiting perceived national scale.
Overall significance of Booth & Rowntree in reform?
3rd most important — proved poverty wasn’t due to moral failure but had limited geographic scope.
What is Municipal Socialism?
Local government reforms using taxes to improve public services.
How did Joseph Chamberlain apply Municipal Socialism in Birmingham?
Bought gas and water works, cleared slums, improved living conditions.
What did John Ure do in Glasgow?
Pushed for sanitation regulation and urban reform.
Why was Municipal Socialism important?
Proved taxation-based intervention worked and improved lives.
What was a key criticism of Municipal Socialism?
Taxing the rich more risked losing voters.
Overall significance of Municipal Socialism in reform?
Most important — real example of effective intervention that inspired national reform.
What did the Boer War reveal about national security?
25% of volunteers were unfit to fight due to poor health.
What reforms did Britain adopt after observing Germany?
Free school meals and old-age pensions.
Why did national security fears push for reform?
A weak population threatened Britain’s strength as an empire.
What’s a criticism of the national security argument?
Some say Churchill just wanted votes, not real reform.
Overall significance of national security/efficiency fears?
4th most important — highlighted the issue but lacked full reform strategy.
What was New Liberalism?
A shift from laissez-faire to state intervention, led by reform-minded Liberals.
How did Lloyd George’s background influence reforms?
Grew up poor — pushed for helping working-class people.
Why was Churchill important to New Liberalism?
Left Conservatives, became MP for Dundee, pushed reforms through strong speeches.
What limited New Liberalism at first?
Outnumbered by ‘Old Liberals’ until PM Campbell-Bannerman died.
