4. Social Developments Flashcards
Why did a middle class emerge?
Within growing urban centres, an opportunity for investment and entrepreneurial activities, e.g starting a business increased
Why was there mass migration to urban towns?
Higher wages in factories than in working in agriculture
Why were agricultural not well off?
Game Laws, high rents, payment in kind
What did the poor have to fall back on, and where was it issued from?
Poor relief, issued by the parish
Which individuals tried to improved the conditions of working in factories?
David Dale and Robert Owen (New Lanark Mills)
What were the heath issues caused by the growth of the cotton industry?
Lung infections, no safety guards on machinery, prone to fires (due to early wooden frames of machines)
What percentage of the workforce were children
20% from as young as 6 years old
Describe the standard of living debate
Britain was getting richer, industrial wages rose, the amount and variety of food increased
High levels of unemployment, skilled workers did well in some areas but not in others, poor harvests,
What was the impact of war on the standard of living?
Reduction in wages, difficult to import grain from Europe- prices rose from £2.70 a quarter in 1790s to £4.70 in 1811-1812, dramatically increasing the price of bread, increase in taxation
When were the Combination Acts introduced?
1799-1800
What was the Combination Acts?
A law that banned the right to strike, and banned the grouping of any working class organisation
What was the Friendly Societies Act, and when was it passed?
1793- a law that gave members of Friendly Societies the legal right to hold meetings and protect their funds
Why were the Combination Acts introduced?
Large numbers of workers in factories- could share ideas and grievances easily- easier to organise a strike/ lock out
