Liberal reforms

Question 1

What were the main reasons for Liberal reforms?

Answer 1

• The role of Booth and Rowntree
• The Boer War: Showed that many people were unfit for duty. What would happen in future wars?
• Other nations: Germany’s welfare system meant that Germans were fitter that British people.
• Children: The school leaving age was raised to 12 and teachers wrote to the Government that their students were too tired to work and fell asleep in class.

Question 2

What changed for school children?

Answer 2

• 1906: Local authorities could offer free school meals to very poor children. They now had at least one decent meal a day. However only 100k benefited. Children were nourished however and diseases like rickets were cured for many.
• 1907: Government began school medical inspections and dental checks so that they would not catch infectious diseases.
• 1908: Children’s and Young Persons’ Act: Juvenile prisons set up. Hours of work for children limited. Illegal to buy Tobacco or Alcohol. Parents made responsible for child’s welfare and upbringing.
• 1912: Medical clinics set up by Gov. Free of charge for children who were sent by school doctor.

Question 3

What changed for the elderly?

Answer 3

• 1908: Old age pensions act. Pensions were paid at the age of 70.
• This meant that old people did not have to go to workhouses or rely on kids.

Question 4

What did the national insurance act do and when was it?

Answer 4

• Covered 14 million workers in industries such as building and engineering.
• The worker, the employer and the government all paid in.
• Worker received sick leave and free medical treatment.
• Workers also received disablement payments and maternity benefits.

Question 5

Limitations of the Liberal Reforms?

Answer 5

o Old age pensions only paid at 70. Average life expectancy was 47.
o Only lowest paid workers received cover and only men.
o Dentists/ Opticians not included and family not covered.
o Hospital treatment only for TB.
o When benefits ended, worker had to go back to workhouses, which were not abolished.

Question 6

Success of the Liberal reforms?

Answer 6

• They were a start.

* A safety net against absolute poverty was established.