issue 4 reasons why the liberal government introduced social welfare reforms in 1906-1914

Question 1

intro

Answer 1

approach to government before 1906 was lazziefaire, the liberals had not been initially elected on a social reform however they courageously held a second general election to solidify their support

Question 2

booth and rowntree

Answer 2

k-Charles booths survey reveals the cause of poverty including unemployment and poor pay
k-rowntrees study showed that poverty was a widespread issue in the country
A+however this factor can be limited as it can be argued that the pairs social survey merely confirmed rather than changed peoples view as seen in the work done in municipal socialism predating booth and rowntrees work
E-surveys of booth and rowntree were significant factors in the liberal reforms. they were a catalyst in bringing forward statistics to instigate social change and started the public discussion regarding helping those on the causes of poverty, moving away from individual responsibility and blame to a focus on how to work for the collective group in poverty and not blaming them

Question 3

municipal socialism

Answer 3

k-in 1866 in Glasgow an act was passed for the building of the lock Katrina reservoir and public transport was improved 
k-Birmingham local authorities provided successful social welfare schemes not only now was there pressure on the government to take action but they had been led by example by small government 
A+however this factor can be limited as local examples would not have led too national reform themselves and purely served as an example of what to do in events of more pressing matters
E-overall municipal socialism was less important than booth and rowntree in causing the liberal reforms although socialism saw local success this could never be replicated on a national stage sue to the overwhelming majority of middle and upper class voters. it is probably more accurate to see municipal socialism as part of the Victorian enthusiasm for self improvement rather than a coherent modelling of the benefits of collective action

Question 4

fears over national security

Answer 4

k-Germany introduced a successful social security system if Britain were to remain to be seen as progressive and modern it would have to get one as well
k-25% of Boer war volunteers were rejected due to physical unfitness this meant Britain would have an issues in combat and tensions with Germany were growing which put pressure on the government to act
A+however this factor can be limited as Britain was still the most powerful empire in the world and the liberal government seemed genuinely motivated by the issue of the poor
E-fears over national security was less important the booth and rowntree. this was because if it wasn’t for booth and rowntrees findings. there wouldn’t have been the evidence to support investment in social welfare as the answer to recruitment problems for the army. although the issues with the army presided booth and rowntree, it was not until there reports were published that it was possible to identify the root problems of poverty and initiate reforms

Question 5

new liberalism

Answer 5

k-new liberals argued that state intervention was necessary to liberate people from social issues out of their control
k-David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill were new liberals they now had significant political figures to back up their ideas of collectivism
A+however this factor can be limited since new liberal ideas were not important in 1905 general election and only became important after the death of “old liberal” Campbell banner-man
E-overall new liberalism was a significant factor in causing liberal reforms however this was the least important factor this was because failure of the British army and the clear impact of poverty on Britain military power scared voters into supporting liberal reforms. the rise of the new liberalism movement wasn’t as persuasive as losses faced during the Boer war and the poor quality of British soldiers.