Class Systems (T3) Flashcards
How did WW1 affect the upper class?
-It took a incredible toll on their numbers, 20.7% of all
those who went to Eton died.
- Cost of war lead to a great increase in taxes
- This put a lot of financial pressure on them
- 25% of all land in England was sold off between 1918 and 1920
How did the rise of labour affect the upper class?
-Accelerated the decline of upper class people in the commons -Wealthy landowners made up around 40% of MP's 1910, around 5% in 1945
How did changes in the house of lords affect the upper class?
- 1911 act meant that lords could only delay legislation –
reduced their power - 1910, 39 out of the 43 lords were aristocrats, by 1970, it was 14 out of 46
How did the rise of satire affect the upper class?
It undermined deference to them, effectively reducing their power.
How did the National trust affect the upper class?
Many country homes were donated to the NT or bought from the upper class. Millions of Britons paid visits to these homes, preserving the upper class The country home lifestyle was still he dream for rich Britons.
How did WW1 affect the middle class?
- They feared the distinction between them and the working class was being eroded.
- Wartime inflation had harmed middle class savings and incomes – something with a value of £100 in 1914 would cost £276 in 1920.
How did the rise of middle class jobs affect the middle class?
- There were more STEM jobs, helping the middle class to grow.
- Workers in such jobs saw themselves as progressive.
- The increased income may have helped home ownership rise from 29% to 50%
What was a defining feature of middle class status?
Home ownership.
How many of the middle class owned a home in 1939?
60%, compared to 20% of the working class.
What was another thing that defined the middle class?
The suburban lifestyle and the separation of men from their workplaces.
How many more clerking jobs were available for women?
1.2 Million more
How did the boom in clerking jobs affect the middle class?
It increased expendable income for one family, so it meant that the middle class could afford larger homes.
What are features of the working class?
- Manual jobs with irregular wages
- Comprised of skilled workers, unskilled labourer and criminals
What happened to the working class during the war?
Small % fought - due to number of ‘reserved occupations’ which were essential to war effort
What percentage of men were classed to sickly for war in 1918?
31.3%
