Sucess Of The Liberals Flashcards
Introduction - BACKGROUND
Issue of poverty was widespread.
Government had a “laissez-faire” approach - did not interfere as thought it was self-inflicted.
Change in attitudes in 1900’s because of Charles Booth & Seebohm Rowntree’s social studies.
Highlighted the extent of poverty and created concept of the deserving poor, groups within society who were deemed to need the most assistance in order to alleviate poverty.
Introduction - LOA
The reforms were effective to an extent in dealing with the issue of poverty as although they were the widest range of reforms ever passed at the time only a small section of British society benefited from them.
Introduction- Factors
This essay will examine the effectiveness of the liberal reforms in tackling those deemed to be the deserving poor ; the young, old, sick and unemployed.
The Young - LINK
The first area that was tackled by the liberal reforms was those who were classed as the most deserving poor, the young.
The Young - BACKGROUND
It was believed to be necessary to tackle the issue of poverty among children as eduction was compulsory in Britain by this point and many children lacked the ability to concentrate on their studies as they were often malnourished and hungry.
The provision of school meals act was a reform introduced in 1906 which meant that local authorities were permitted to provide one free meal to children every weekday through raising money by increasing tax rates and by 1914, 14 million meals had been provided in total.
The Young - A+
Concentration increased, positively impacted concentration and improved attendance and education standards.
However, it was not compulsory and many local authorities did not take part therefore many children did not benefit from this.
The Young - BACKGROUND (health)
Became aware of the problem of ill health in Britain as a result of the bóer war and realised of health did not improve there would be problems for the country in the future.
The education act introduced in 1907 meant that children were given three medical inspections throughout their school career.
The Young - A
Problems could be identified and advice could be given to parents.
The Young - A+ (health)
They were free and provided a check up to those who’s parents couldn’t afford to take them K a doctor.
However problems were identified but no provision for the treatment was given.
The Young - BACKGROUND (charter)
Children’s charter banned children from smoking, drinking alcohol or begging and set up children’s prisons called borstals.
The Young - A (charter)
They helped to reduce child neglect and abuse.
The Young - E
While it has been argued that the acts aimed at improving the lives of children were successful first steps given the opposition to state intervention which still existed at the time, it is generally recognised by modern historians that these early reforms were very limited measures which were largely dependent on individual local authorities.
The Elderly - LINK
The liberals were also proactive in trying to improve the lives of the elderly, another group they believed to be in a position where self help was not an option.
The Elderly - BACKGROUND
Once people became too old to work they had no source of income and subsequently fell into poverty.
In 1908 the liberals introduced the old age pensions act to provide these people with a source of income, those who were 70 years old or older and were elegible received 25 pence per week.
The Elderly - A
It guaranteed an income whereas before they had to rely on charity.
