Poverty In Elizabethan England Flashcards
1
Q
Who were the deserving poor?
A
The deserving poor were those who were unfit to work, such as widowed women, the elderly, the sick and disabled. They received more sympathy from the people.
2
Q
Who were the idle poor?
A
The idle poor were those who were fit to work, but were instead lazy and chose not too. They were received more harsh treatment.
3
Q
Why did poverty increase in England?
A
- Population increase
- Rising food prices
- International problems affected trade (eg Dutch Revolt)
- People were forced to move cities for work
- Sheep farming meant fewer people were employed on farms.
4
Q
What did the government do?
A
- 1563 Statute of Artificers - aimed to collect money for the poor
- 1572 Vagabonds Act - to deter vagrancy
- 1576 - Poor Relief Act - help able people find work and relocate the “deserving poor” to almshouses
5
Q
What happened as a result of the laws?
A
The laws had some success but overall, poverty remained a problem in England. The most significant thing, however, was that it meant unemployment was recognised as a genuine problem.
