Friendly societies Flashcards
Why did the government introduce the Friendly Societies Act 1793?
To regulate activities of potential revolutionaries following the French Revolution and put people off starting one
Why did the act lead to an increase in Friendly Societies rather than the intended decrease?
It gave them legitimacy to operate and protection of funds
What % of the population was in a Friendly Society by 1803?
8%
Who was excluded from joining a F.S?
The very poorest in society
Why does the thesis that the rapid growth of F.S in the first half of the 19th Century was due to industrialisation appear true?
Growth of F.S took place in newly industrialised areas of the country
Despite gov intention in the 1799 Combination Act what other benefits did F.S offer members?
The chance to form trade unions
How popular were friendly societies compared to trade unions by 1870?
4 to 1
How did F.S mirror social attitudes by the mid 1800s?
Victorian ‘self-help’ ideas
Why did the gov pass a new F.S Act in 1855?
To update old one, protect the funds and as a counter balance to the growing threat of T.U
What were the main reasons why people joined F.S in 19th Century?
Mutual benefit, sickness pay, welfare in the absence of any, social support, like-minded people
