Municipal socialism Flashcards
Topic sentence
Finally, some historians argue that municipal socialism was the most important reason for the passing of Liberal reforms.
Evidence 1
In 1872 Liberal Joseph Chamberlain became mayor of Birmingham and introduced many reforms there, such as providing steady waterworks and gasworks for the people and clearing slums.
Analysis 1
This led to the passing of Liberal reforms because
Chamberlain’s reforms directly influenced Sidney and Beatrice Webb, who, in turn influenced the development of New Liberalism
Evidence 2
Furthermore, Municipal councils in Britain’s largest cities such as Glasgow, Birmingham and Manchester had begun actively using taxpayers’ money from the RATES to fund improvements.
Analysis 2
This led to the passing of liberal reforms because the actions of local politicians such as Chamberlain provided clear evidence to the newly elected Liberal government that reform could result in a tangible improvement to the quality of life for ordinary people.
Counter analysis
However, there was large disagreement over taxing the wealthy to provide for the poor as the upper classes resented the fact that they’d be loosing money.
Evaluation
To evaluate, municipal socialism was important to the passing of Liberal Reforms because it showed the government that change was possible even on a local level. For example, the CITY FATHERS in Glasgow spent funds on providing clean water to city residents with the passing of the GLASGOW CORPORATION WATERWORKS ACT (1855) and also provided parks, public baths and wash-houses. However, this factor can not be seen as as important as changing attitudes to poverty as it provided these politicians with information about poverty and encouraged them to make change.
