1906-1914 Social Flashcards
What were the upper class like?
wealthy land owners were still an important part of this class. However, transformation, with addition of those who obtained wealth from industry or commerce
what were the middle class like?
middle and upper class represented 1/4 of population. Upper middle was generally factory owners and merchants who made wealth as ‘entrepreneurs’. The number of people employed as professionals had risen rapidly - 796 000 in 1911. Incomes varied drastically.
What were the lower class like?
non-manual employees such as shop assistants, clerks, shopkeepers, small proprietors and self-employed artisans. many earned less than skilled workmen, but their social standing was higher
what were the working class like?
75% of population. manual work. according to census of 1911, 28.7% of population were skilled workers, 34.3% were semi-skilled and 9.6% were skilled. unskilled workers earned considerably less, the average wage £1 a week. Unlikely to provide for family, so as a result many lived in poverty
what were workhouses like?
AWFUL conditions and huge stigma. Poor Laws.
define deserving and undeserving poor
deserving- those who were poor through no fault of their own
undeserving- able-bodies and who could find work to support themselves in their family
Why was there a change towards the system of taxation?
to pay for liberal social reforms, which we’re going to cost around £16 million. introduced income tax on a sliding scale, a super tax, a tax on cars according to horsepower, a 3d per gallon tax on petrol, an inheritance tax and a tax on profits that were gained through selling land.
How did conservatives oppose the People’s budget?
People’s Budget met fierce resistance in the HoL with conservative majority. HoL threw the budget out, leading to a constitutional crisis. Declared it an act of class war.
What were the reasons for the People’s Budget?
Start of the 20th century there were no provisions for the poor due to Laissez-Faire. The poor were left to beg or turn to private charities. Many were concerned with orphan children, but far few offered to help the elderly.
What were the People’s Budget Taxes?
Income tax on a sliding scale, super tax, tax on cars, 3d per gallon tax on petrol, inheritance tax, tax on profits gained by selling land.
What was the opposition for the People’s Budget?
fierce resistance in HoL, threw the budget out, constitutional crisis.
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Why did help for the poor change?
virtually no state provisions at the start of the 20th century due to Laissez Faire. Poor Laws remained the last resort, offering either outdoor relief or the parish workhouse
Political reason for the People’s Budget/welfare reform
To seem better than the Labour party - more sympathetic to struggles. Keep votes at the next election
Economic reason for the People’s Budget/welfare reform
Improve workforce, best germany, Boer War highlighted inadequacy in public health
Social reason for the People’s Budget/welfare reform
Society needs a shift. Create a better standard of living, help the destitute, improve society as a whole. Less crime, more happiness
1906 Education Act (provision of meals) (PB)
local authorities given power to provide free school meals for needy children. 1914 - 14 million provided a year BUT not compulsory
1907 Education Act (medical inspection) (PB)
made it compulsory for LEAs to medically inspect school children. 1914- 3/4 of LEAs provided it. BUT provided only a cursory check and couldn’t provide treatment
1908 Children’s Act (PB)
made parental neglect illegal, set up juvenile courts, made it illegal to sell tobacco and alcohol to children. Codified existing laws.
1908 Old Age Pensions (PB)
provided pensions of five shillings a week and 7s and 6d for married couples. Scheme paid for by general taxation. 1 million involved by 1915. Pension based on a sliding scale.
1909 Trade Boards (PB)
Set up to fix minimum wages and inspect conditions in certain trades. Initially covered 200 000 in the four trades. By 1913, this was expanded to 6 trades and coal miners. Too few inspectors to enforce rigorously.
1909 Labour Exchange (PB)
set up places for workers looking for a job and employers looking for workers to meet. 1914- finding 3000 jobs a day. BUT for every job found, three did not. not creating jobs, only streamlining employment
1911 National Insurance Act (Unemployment) (PB)
workers and their employers contributed weekly to a national insurance fund, topped up by the state. Enabled contributing workers to receive a weekly benefit if unemployed. covered 2.5 million workers and provided 7 shillings a week for up to 15 weeks.
1911 National Insurance Act (Sickness) (PB)
compulsory scheme by which workers and their employers paid weekly into a national fund. covered 13 million workers but only age 16-60
