Social Reforms of Conservative Governments 1890-1906 (Background)

Question 1

Factory Act 1891

Answer 1

Improved safety conditions in the mines.

Question 2

Education Act 1891

Answer 2

Established free elementary education.

Question 3

Workmen’s Compensation Act 1897

Answer 3

Provided payments for injuries sustained at the work place.

Question 4

What Other Improvements were made during this time?

Answer 4

1. Provision made to improve working-class housing.
2. Steps taken to prevent cruelty against children.
3. Landlords rather than tenants to be responsible for paying tithes.
4. Measures to improve the conditions of shop assistants + mill hands factory acts tightening safety regulations

Question 5

Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902

Answer 5

• Part of British attempt to reimpose control over south Africa- led to rule Transvaal- crucial issue after gold was discovered there in 1886.
• Britain split- ‘pro-Boers’ questioned morality of Britain’s stance.
• Initially was was widely popular.
• Liberal leader accused government of employing methods of barbarism (concentration camps).
• 3 years- won war - outnumbered + outgunned group of farmers
• social implications

Question 6

Tariff Reforms 1903

Answer 6

• Late 1890s, British traders + manufacturers expressed deep anxiety over a number of developments that threatened to reduce their profits (e.g. USA+Germany overtaking UK in Steal production)
• Demanded policy of protections
• Conservatives adopted tariff reform in 1903 (officially)- few liked it
• Lack of conviction amougst Conservative = exploited by Liberals.
• Resulted in Liberal’s win in 1906 (they liked free trade)

Question 7

Booth + Rowntree

Answer 7

• Rowntree - York Studies (1899/1935/1951)
• Booth - London Study (late 1890s)
• Showed need for social change + government action.