Britain - Reasons for the Introduction of the Liberal Reforms Flashcards
1
Q
Reasons for Introduction of Liberal Reforms
A
- Reports of Booth and Rowntree
- New liberalism
- Fears over national security
- Fears over national efficiency
2
Q
Intro (Intro Liberal)
A
- PM Henry Campbell Bannerman dies 1908 clearing way for reform
- Structure; background, this factor… others are, this essay, link
3
Q
Reports of Booth and Rowntree
A
- Doubted socialist 1/4 claim (Charles Booth, ‘Life and Labour of People of London, 17 volumes 12 years), gave evidence not opinion
- Wanted to see if problem was just London (Seebohm Rowntree wrote report on York ‘Poverty, A Study of Town Life’), poverty nation wide problem
- Discovered levels; primary, no necessities, secondary, waste on booze etc.
4
Q
Fears Over National Efficiency (Intro Liberal)
A
- No longer largest industrial (competition from Germany), health, education slip could be threatened
- Economic depression revealed people unaware of jobs (Churchill argued unemployed not aware of availability, labour exchanges opened), inefficiency of system
- German welfare system set up in 1880s, ‘If they could why couldn’t Britain?’
5
Q
Fears Over National Security (Intro Liberal)
A
- Unfit to serve (1899 Boer War, 25% volunteers rejected), would Britain be able to survive a war
- Groups formed investigate what could do (Interdepartmental Commission on Physical Deterioration in England, Wales), recommend free meals
- Royal Commission same in Scotland, whole country covered
6
Q
New Liberalism (Intro Liberal)
A
- Attitude led to no help (Laissez Faire, people poor seen as own fault), stuck in poverty as no help available
- Events showed attitude had to change (Economic depressions of 1870/80s showed country couldn’t cope with unemployment), need help government job provide
- Public figures argued for new liberalism, T. H. Greene and Herbert Asquith
7
Q
Conclusion (Intro Liberal)
A
- Judgment and reasons for
- Other factors in order (with reasons)
