The Making Of Modern Britain #5: Changing Attitudes Toward Poverty Flashcards
6 reasons for changing attitudes to poverty:
- poverty surveys
- national security
- national efficiency
- voting rights
- Labour Party
- local councils’ actions
What did Booth and Rowntree found?
35% of London in abject poverty, 28% of York
How did national security play a role in changing attitudes?
- in the early 1900s, Britain was in a naval race with Germany
- many were worried a European war was imminent
Where was the Boer War!
South Africa
How many volunteers to the Boer war were rejected for being unfit?
Around 25% of recruits, and higher in some cities
What did fears that Britain would not have enough fit men to fight in the event of a war with Germany lead to?
People arguing for policies that would benefit young people and working age men, ensuring their health and fitness
How did National efficiency concerns influence attitudes towards the poor?
By the 1900s, Britain was the world’s economic superpower. However, countries such as the USA and Germany were increasingly competing
What was the share of Industrial production in 1870?
- Britain: 32%
- USA: 23%
- Germany: 13%
What was the share of Industrial production in 1914?
- USA: 36%
- Germany: 16%
- Britain: 14%
What did a lack of fit workers mean?
- It made it harder for Britain to sell and make more products
- Some said that more government help would mean more workers for the country
What did Germany have the Britain did not?
A welfare system
What was British politics dominated by until the late 1800s?
Conservatives and Liberals
Who usually voted for the liberals?
Poorer people, although some said the Liberals didn’t do enough to help them
When did poorer men get the right to vote?
1867 and 1884
How many men could vote after 1884?
- Around 6/10 - most of these men were not rich
- they wanted government action that would improve their lives
When was the Labour Representation Committee formed?
1900 (they became the Labour Party in 1906)
What did Labour, the working class political party, do?
Made various promises to attract poorer men’s votes, including better housing and shorter working hours
What happened as a result of the Liberals being worried they would lose votes to this new political party?
Many MPs began to argue that it was important to introduce policies which would benefit working class people, and therefore keep their votes
What was one argument against government help for the poor?
That it could no the done effectively
What had local councils done all across Britain?
Introduced policies which improved the lives of the poor, helping tackle poverty in certain areas (eg free school meals)
What are 2 examples of council action?
Glasgow:
- pumping fresh water from Loch Katrine improved health in the city
- introduced street lights and slum clearances
