Social Reforms 1920s Flashcards
When and what was the Fisher Education Act? LIBERAL
1918
- Increased the school leaving age to 14.
- Nursery schools provided for toddlers, free compulsory health checks for secondary schools.
- Punished those who employed schoolchildren.
What was the impact of the Fisher Education Act?
However, few nursery and contribution schools were actually provided due to the Geddes Axe cuts in 1922, which slashed education spending by a 1/3.
When and what was the Housing and Town Planning Act? - LIBERAL
1919
- Local authorities use central funds to build housing.
- 600,000 were targeted to be built.
What was the impact of the Housing and Town Planning Act?
Only 213,000 houses were actually built before the Geddes Axe. As a result, the housing shortage grew worse. A consequence of this was young married couples living with their parents.
When and what was the Unemployed Insurance Act? LIBERAL
1920
- 2/3 of workers could claim.
- Longer term solution - cover those not eligible for National Insurance.
What was the impact of the Unemployed Insurance Act?
- The greater number of eligible claimants quickly drained the funds.
- By March 1930, 3 million claims had been rejected because of a seeking works test implementation.
When and what was the Conservative and Labour Housing Act?
1923-1924
- Used subsidies to encourage building of private and state owned housing.
- 4 million homes were built - 1 million by public sector.
- 20 cottage estates built on the outskirts of London - connected by rail.
What was the impact of the Labour and Conservative Housing Acts?
- With new homes came not only indoor plumbing and grades but also increased the demand for domestic goods such as new furniture, which further stimulated the economy and helped raise the average standard of living.
When and what was the Widows’, Orphans’ and Old Age Pensions Act? CONSERVATIVE
1925
- Introduced by Chamberlain.
- 10 shillings a week for 65+.
- Provided for widows and orphans.
What was the impact of the Widows’, Orphans’ and Old Age Pensions Act?
- It was funded by a compulsory contribution rather than taxation - which was unpopular with the Labour party as they felt that it was unfairly penalised the poor tough economic conditions and an ageing population led to its general acceptance.
When and what was the Hadow Report? CONSERVATIVE
1926
- Recommended elementary schools (up to 14) be replaced by primaries (5-11) - meaning need for new schools for older children including beyond 14.
- Recommended school leaving age to be raised to 15.
What was the impact of the Hadow Report?
- Overall, it was a great achievement in principles as it recognised that everyone was entitled to a free education (even the working class).
- Influenced the Butler Act in 1944.
When and what was the Local Government Act? CONSERVATIVE
1929
- Local government responsible for managing healthcare provision.
- Specialist hospitals developed, teaching hospitals.
Poor Law hospitals converted into local hospitals which ran school medical inspections.
What was the impact of the Local Government Act?
- By 1938, England and Wales provided 75,000 general hospital beds.
- GPs treated more people through NI schemes.
- 43% of the population was insured against injury, but not illness.
- Overall, healthcare was improving - infant mortality rates were falling, although maternal mortality rates remained high in working class areas.
When and what was the Labour Housing Act?
1930
- State funds used to rehouse people in crowded cities.
