Labour Reforms Flashcards
INTRODUCTION
Post WW2 feeling that post-war had to be better than pre-war.
The government became much more involved in people’s lives with the introduction of rationing/evacuation.
Evacuation highlighted to the public the extent to which poverty still existed as middle class people witnessed “how the other half live”
The Beveridge Report 1942 was known as the blueprint for the welfare state.
It suggested that the government addressed the “5 Giants” in order to meet the needs of the people.
FACTORS
5 giants identified as WANT, IGNORANCE, DISEASE, IDLENESS, SQUALOR.
LOA
It can be argued that the labour government met the needs of the people to an extent because although their reforms did have limitations, they led to large improvements in British society.
PARAGRAPH 1 - WANT
KU
The 1946 national insurance act covered individuals for sickness, unemployment, old age pension, widow’s pension, orphans pension, maternity + death grants.
PARAGRAPH 1 - WANT
ANALYSIS/ANALYSIS +
Important as now social provision was made for citizens ‘from the cradle to the grave’ which was the level of provision many people needed.
However it could be argued that the success is limited as weekly contributions took up 5% of earnings which meant some joining the scheme would end up in a worse position in terms of poverty.
PARAGRAPH 1 - WANT
KNOWLEDGE: National Assistance
The national assistance act of 1948 gave benefits to those who were not covered by the National Insurance Act.
PARAGRAPH 1 - WANT
ANALYSIS/ ANALYSIS+ : National Assistance
Important as it helped those who did not earn enough to cover their basic expenses and it essentially acted as a safety net so that no one would fall into poverty.
However assistance was means tested so it was dependent on wealth which meant many missed out.
PARAGRAPH 1 - WANT
KNOWLEDGE: Family Allowances
The family allowances act was introduced in 1945 and it paid 5 shillings per week to mothers with 2 or more children.
PARAGRAPH 1 - WANT
ANALYSIS : Family Allowances
Important as it was needs tested which was less harsh than means testing and it was available to more people.
PARAGRAPH 1 - WANT
EVALUATION
Upon evaluation, many historians have argued that the labour government met the needs of the people in terms of poverty because the majority of people were now converted under some form of benefit which was previously unavailable. These measures provided a new social security structure and really did provide a safety net through which no person should fall into serious poverty.
PARAGRAPH 1 - WANT
EVALUATION
Upon evaluation, many historians have argued that the labour government met the needs of the people in terms of poverty because the majority of people were now converted under some form of benefit which was previously unavailable. These measures provided a new social security structure and really did provide a safety net through which no person should fall into serious poverty.
PARAGRAPH 2 - IGNORANCE
KNOWLEDGE
In 1944 the war time government passed the Education Act but it was implemented in 1945 by Labour.
It made education compulsory until the age of 15.
The 11+ exam was taken by pupils to determine which type of school they would progress to according to their ability. Best marks = senior secondary. Failed = Technical school.
PARAGRAPH 2 - IGNORANCE
EVALUATION
Upon evaluation, many historians would argue that the steps to improve poor health were limited in their success as hospitals carrying or services were out of date meaning that citizens did not receive a high standard of treatment. Therefore it can be argued that the labour government did not effectively tackle the needs of the people in relation to improvements in their health.
PARAGRAPH 2 - IGNORANCE
ANALYSIS/ANALYSIS+
Important as raising leaving age & the passing of the 11+ meant that many children received a good education with the best teachers, the middle class benefited the most.
However, many criticised the 11+ as a socially divisive process which further cemented social standing as there was very little done to enhance opportunity for working class children.
PARAGRAPH 3 - DISEASE
KNOWLEDGE
In 1946 the NHS Act was passed. It was the first time every British citizen received free medical, dental and optical services to free at the point of use.
