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 Friendly Society?
The very poorest in society
Why does the thesis that the rapid growth of Friendly Societies in the first half of 19th Century was due to industrialisation appear true?
Growth of friendly Societies took place in newly industrialised areas of the country
Despite government intention in the 1799 combination act what other benefits did Friendly Societies offer members?
The chance to from trade unions
How popular were Friendly Societies compared to trade unions by 1870?
4 to 1
How did Friendly Societies mirror social attitudes by the mid 1800s?
Victorian “self-help” ideas
Why did the government pass a new Friendly Societies Act in 1855?
To update old one, protect the funds and as a counter-balance to the growing threat of trade unions
What were the main reasons why people joined Friendly Societies in 19th century?
Mutual benefit, sickness pay, welfare in the absence of any, social support, like minded people
