Britain in 1900 Flashcards
Key problems being faced by Edwardian society
- Generational shift in power
- Inherited social problems
- Increasing foreign powers
- Rising tensions with other countries
- War
- Managing empire
- Discontent amoung working class and retreat of upper class
- Unrest in Ireland
- Women’s role in society
- Polarisation of parties
- Shift in culture
Statistics showing how split and classist the 1900s economy was
- Public toilets needed a penny to be paid for use which many working women couldn’t afford
- MPs unpaid and therefore had to be from aristocratic backgrounds
When was the Boer War?
1899-1902
When was the Independent Labour Party formed?
1893
How many trade unionists in Britain by the early 1900s?
2 million
Difference in how parliament was structured in 1900
Equal power between Commons and Lords
What was the Liberal Party also known as and why in 1900?
The Liberal Party were also known as the Unionist Party because they hadn’t wanted an independant Ireland
In 1900, what countries were under British rule?
- India
- South Africa (Boer War)
- Scramble for Africa → increased control over Egypt and Suez Canal
- Canada- ran itself
- Australia and New Zealand nearly independant
Britain’s relationship with the rest of Europe pre-1900
- Hadn’t joined new alliance forming in Europe
- Had only fought in one war since 1815 → 1850s against Russia
When had more unions been formed?
1880s
Main key industries in Britain 1900?
- coal
- iron
- steel
- textiles
How many people were under the British Empire in 1900?
240 million
Plans for the army in 1900
John Broderick → wants 6 new army corps and uptake of 11,500 troops annual increase
1903- what happened to gov’s defence plans
Committee of Imperial Defence set up to specialise on developing the army
Who was the last Prime Minister who was also a lord?
Lord Sailsbury - resigned 1902
