Chapter 15: Social Reform Campaigners Flashcards
Why did Philanthropic activity increase during the second quarter of the nineteenth century?
Partly a response to the extraordinary level of economic and social change brought about by Industrialisation, growth in population and spread of new urban centres, all of which brought social problems. Also an indication of changing social attitudes.
Whose responsibility was it for the welfare of the people?
Not regarded as the official role of the state to accept responsibility for the welfare of its people and in the absence of government commitment to deal with social problems, individuals and groups came forward to offer possible solutions. Result in growing Philanthropic movement.
When did the real impetus to tackle social problems come?
After the first Parliamentary Reform of 1832, although leading social reformers of the day like Ashley and Chadwick opposed political reform.
Who was the dominant spirit that lay behind much of the impetus for social reform?
Jeremy Bentham, who died in 1832 but whose influence continued throughout the nineteen century. The Benthamite mindset was that clinging onto the old ways of doing things just because it was the trandition was not a valid justification. Institutions must be useful and have a purpose.
Who was Edwin Chadwick?
Advocated Poor Law Reform, was guided by Bentham’s ideas. As a member of the Commission of Inquiry into factory conditions, it was his innovative thinking that led to the recommendation of an eight-hour working day for children, as a compromise to appease factory owners and reformers (and perhaps his own conscience).
Who was Lord Ashley (The Earl of Shaftesbury)?
The foremost social reformer of the nineteenth century. Developed a keen sense of philanthropy. In 1833 he took over as leader of the parliamentary campaign for the Ten Hour Movement, his focus rested on achieving measures of social reform rather than political advancement.
What reforms did Lord Ashley drive through Parliament?
Mines Act (an end to the employment underground of women and children), he argued passionately for a Ten Hour Bill and would have succeeded but for the Government’s sleight of hand over the subsequent 1844 Factory Act. He finally got it through in 1847 with support from Whigs and Tory Protectionists, angry with Peel over repeal of Corn Laws.
What was the 1842 Mines Act?
Made it illegal for boys under 10 and all women and girls to work underground and made provision for Government inspectors.
Who was John Fielden?
Deeply religious and became a Unitarian and used his wealth to benefit the poor. Argued for male suffrage, supported the Chartist movement early on, he was hostile to the Poor Law reform, believing it would depress the manufacturing industry and supported resistance to its introduction in the Industrial North. Foremost iterest was in factory reform and he argued for shorter working hours on the basis that it would benefit owners nd workers. He admired Ashley, assisting the passage of the Ten Hour Act 1847
