Liberal social reforms motivated by political competition?

Question 1

What political factors were there for the Liberals to consider? Paragraph 1

Answer 1

Rise of TU membership -
Conservatives weak - 2BW 22,000 Boers killed
Rise of Labour 30 seats 1906 40 Jan 1910
Maintaining the WC vote Unite against divisions.
SMALL EXTENT-short term factors of cons decline simply showed this was the time to reform

Question 2

To what extent were social reforms a factor for social reform?

Answer 2

New Liberalism- safety net change from 1867 Poor Law
Intellectucals- T.H Greeen Liberalism is an opportunity to be more moral=laws manditorary in improving conditions.
DLG- Limehouse Speech 6 July 1909- emotively wanting to genuinely help the people.
MODERATE EXTENT FOR DLG

Question 3

How did Rowntree influence social reform, give and example of one OAP

Answer 3

Influenced DLG amongst others in findings that 30% live in poverty-10% very poor. Fuelled DLG’s reputuation of “the man of the people”
Old Age Pensions Act 1908 - 5s per week if over 70 earning less than £21 a year ,& and of GOOD CHARACTER.

Question 4

How did concerns about national effiecency motivate the Liberals?

Answer 4

In order to be a successful the Gov the economy must be growing - laissez-faire prohibted this.
Needed to redistrubute wealth more evenly = income tax up on rich £160 and up 4% £3000 upwards 8%.
National debt up 1/4 after 2BW
If workers rights are improved=improved productivity (as it dropped 20% 1880-1910) - 1908 Coal Mines Act 8hr day.
Needed to stop Chamberlain’s Tariff Reform- as it would
only make trade decline more (40%-1870 25%1900)
MODERATE EXTENT- in order to keep Gov majority in order to pass significant long term reform.