Poverty Flashcards
Give two reasons why population growth increased poverty
Food production did not keep pace with population. Food prices rose and led to food shortages.
More competition for land – rents increased and many were forced out of homes.
Name two developments in farming that increased poverty
Enclosures – reduced common land that the poor had traditionally used to grow crops / keep animals.
Sheep farming – required fewer labourers so increased unemployment. Also led to fall in grain production which contributed to rising food prices
What did monasteries used to offer the poor?
Food, shelter and basic treatment of illnesses in times of need
Why were poor no longer able to rely on monasteries under Elizabeth
Henry VIII had closed down most of England’s monasteries between 1536-31 as part of his conversion to Protestantism.
Why were Elizabethans so worried about poverty levels rising?
Crime rates / worried poor might rise up in rebellion if problem was not addressed.
What did Elizabethans call the poor who were unable to support themselves or who wanted to work but were unable?
Helpless / Deserving poor
What did they call the poor who were beggars, criminals etc?
Undeserving poor
What was poor relief?
Money paid for by the poor rate. If you were the underserving poor you were not helped, but rather punished.
Name two things the 1563 Poor Law said
- Gave magistrates power to raise local funds for poor relief (‘poor rate’).
- People not paying the poor rate could be imprisoned or fined.
- Stated the undeserving poor could be publically whipped
Name two things the 1572 Poor Law said
Gave local officials power to decide how much people should pay.
Undeserving poor could be whipped and drilled a hole through both ears. Death penalty if caught 3 times.
