An evaluation of the reasons why the Liberals introduced social welfare reforms, 1906–14 Flashcards
What was the belief of the government prior to 1906 regarding poverty in Britain?
Governments believed in ‘laissez-faire’, not interfering in people’s lives.
What was the main form of help available for the poor before 1906?
The ‘Poor Law’, which often led to people being placed in workhouses.
What charities helped the poor before 1906?
Barnardos, the Salvation Army, and the YMCA.
Why were charities unable to help everyone in poverty before 1906?
The demand for help was too great.
What changes did the Liberal government introduce from 1906?
Welfare reforms to offer more help to the poor.
What two social surveys were published at the end of the 19th century?
Charles Booth’s survey of London and Seebohm Rowntree’s study of York.
What did Charles Booth’s survey of London reveal?
35% of London’s population lived in extreme poverty.
What did Seebohm Rowntree’s study of York reveal?
Almost 30% of York’s population lived in poverty.
What is the ‘poverty line’?
The minimum amount a family needs to survive.
What were the main causes of poverty identified by Booth and Rowntree?
Illness, unemployment, and age.
What did Booth and Rowntree’s findings suggest about poverty?
Poverty was not self-inflicted, and people couldn’t lift themselves out of it on their own.
How did the surveys affect the government’s stance on poverty?
They provided statistical evidence that the government needed to act to help the poor.
What idea did the surveys promote about the poor?
The idea of a ‘deserving poor’—those trying to improve their situation.
Why did some historians question the government’s concern for the poor?
They believed reforms were passed for political advantage, such as gaining working-class votes.
Which Liberal politician was influenced by the social surveys?
David Lloyd George.
What is New Liberalism?
A political movement influenced by the social surveys, which emphasized government intervention in poverty.
What local reforms were introduced before national reforms?
Reforms to improve living and working conditions, funded by local taxes.
Who was Joseph Chamberlain and what did he do in Birmingham?
Mayor of Birmingham (1873-1875), who oversaw public ownership of gas and water and the clearing of slums.
How did municipal reforms in cities like Glasgow demonstrate social change?
They showed that municipal socialism worked by providing services like housing, libraries, and parks.
What opposition existed to national reforms for the poor?
Opposition from the upper and middle classes, who resented higher taxes to support the poor.
What war did Britain become involved in from 1899 to 1902?
The Boer War in South Africa.
Why were the government and military alarmed during the Boer War?
Almost 25% of potential volunteers were rejected due to ill health.
Which cities had an even higher rejection rate for volunteers during the Boer War?
Industrial cities like Manchester.
Why was national security a concern for Britain during the Boer War?
Without a healthy army, Britain couldn’t compete in future wars or maintain its status as a ‘Great Power’.
What were the earliest reforms introduced in response to concerns about national security?
Free school meals and medical inspections in 1906/7.
What were the two main motives for the social reforms introduced by the Liberals?
Fear over the consequences of an unfit population and a genuine humanitarian concern about poverty.
What did Old Liberalism believe about poverty and state intervention?
Poverty was an individual problem, and minimal state intervention was preferred.
What is ‘New Liberalism’?
The idea that state intervention would help free people from poverty.
Who were some key figures of ‘New Liberalism’?
Lloyd George, Winston Churchill, and Herbert Asquith.
Why were New Liberals important within the Liberal Party by 1906?
They were pushing for more state intervention and were becoming more influential in changing attitudes.
What was the significance of the death of Campbell Bannerman in 1908?
It allowed New Liberals to introduce their interventionist ideas.
By 1900, which group of people had gained the right to vote?
The majority of working-class men.
What political party emerged in 1900 to represent the interests of the working class?
The Labour Party.
What did the Liberal Party fear about the rise of the Labour Party?
The Labour Party’s socialist principles posed a threat to the Liberal Party’s support in working-class areas.
Why did the Liberal Party need to introduce social reforms?
To maintain political support from working-class male voters.
What did the Liberal Party’s 1906 manifesto not include?
Social reforms.
