Reasons Liberal Social Reforms were introduced Flashcards
I - Ku
Society was run on the idea of ‘laisse faire’, so the government did little to help those who were living in poverty.
I - Ku
Many were encouraged to rely on the use of the ‘voluntary system’, this was so they could save for times of unemployment, sickness and old age. Some charities also existed, for eg the salvation army ran a few.
SC - Ku
Charles Booth was a business man who did not believe that extreme poverty existed in London so investigated. Found 35% of people in London were struggling with poverty.
SC - Ku
Rowntree carried out his survey in York. He was a very rich businessman who believed in treating workers fairy. Found 30% of People in York suffered from poverty.
SC - Pos A
Surveys provided evidence that poverty did actually exist and encouraged actions to fix this. Booth also warned if things did not improve a revolution could occur.
SC - Neg A
Did raise awareness of poverty, but did not stop the problem and many people still continued to face problems with poverty. Maximum pensions still below the amount needed to live.
NS - Ku
In the late 1800s the British empire spanned across the world, and so regularly needed men to join the British army. A conflict in south Africa, the Boer war, was one of these.
NS - Ku
It started in 1899, where Britain were fighting against south African Boers. 40%-60% of men who volunteered were not fit enough due to poverty.
NS - Pos A
Liberal reforms may have aimed to ensure Britain had enough soldiers in future wars, free school meals would ensure boys were healthy and unemployment benefit would make sure men were ready to fight.
NS - Neg A
Old Age Pensions cost alot, however only people over 70 could claim them, but this group could not fight during the war. so could not be most important.
RLP - Ku
The Reform acts introduced during the 18th century such as the reform act of 1884, meant that working class men could now vote, so politicians had to deal with their concerns for political advantage.
RLP - Ku
in late 1800s political groups were set up to represent working class interests, including the Independant Labour party.
RLP - Pos A
Labours rise led liberals to worry as liberals usually attracted working class votes, so would have been encouraged to back social reforms to make sure they still got working class votes.
RLP - Neg A
However in the Liberal manifesto of the 1906 general election, social reforms had little mention, suggesting they were of limited importantance.
NL - Ku
Two main parties in the later 1800s, liberals and conservatives. Liberals generally gained working class support, but still many liberal MPs wanted to keep the idea of laisse faire
