Chapter 3-Social issues Flashcards
What were the class divisions in society?
Upper class-Wealthy landowners were mainly part of this as their families had inherited wealth for generations. There was also now containing those who are factory owners with considerable wealth. Middle class-They were about a quarter of the population but income varied largely from £200 to £28000 a year. Lower middle class-Non manual employees who often earned less than the working class but had higher status. Working class-75% of the population were the working class and 28.7% were unskilled, earning just over £1 a week.
What did Booth and Rowntree find out?
Booth concluded that 30.7% of London lived below the poverty line and Rowntree built on this idea by carrying out a survey and finding that 28% of York was living in poverty.
What was the People’s Budget?
To pay for Liberal reforms new taxes were introduced. Income tax was paid on a sliding scale, a super tax was put on those with an income over £5000, a tax was put on cars accoridng to horsepower, a tax was put on petrol, an inheritance tax was intoduced and taxes were put on profits through selling land.
Who opposed the People’s Budget?
Conservatives as they were large landowners and so didn’t want taxes on their property. The House of Lords therefore threw the budget out, which led to a Constitutional crisis.
What social and welfare reforms did the Liberals introduce to help the elderly?
Old Age Pensions Act 1908-Pension of 5 shilling a week for a single person. It was for the over 70s who were very poor and had ‘good character’
What social and welfare reforms did the Liberals introduce to help poor diet?
Education Act 1906-Free school meals were provided but not compulsory
What social and welfare reforms did the Liberals introduce to help with sickness?
Education Act 1907-Free medical examinations were given but were quick and didn’t provide treatment.
Children’s Act 1908-It made parental neglect illegal and made it illegal to sell alcohol or tobacco.
National Insurance (sickness) Act 1911-Paid out weekly 10 or 5 shillings but only ocvered workers earning below £160 a year.
Workmens Compensation Act 1906-Compensated work based acccidents and diseases.
What social and welfare reforms did the Liberals introduce to help with low wages?
Trade Boards 1909-Set up to fix minimum wage and inspect conditions.
What social and welfare reforms did the Liberals introduce to help unemployment?
Labour Exchange 1909-Set up places for employers and workers to meet but for every person who found a job, three didn't National Insurance (unemployment) Act 1911-Provided 7 shillings a week benefit but only covered certain trades.
What social and welfare reforms did the Liberals introduce to improve working conditions?
Merchant Shipping Act-It improved food and accommodation for seamen.
Shops Act 1911-Provided weekly half say holiday
Coal Mines Acts 1908 and 1911-Fixed length of working day to 8 hours.
