The young

Question 1

Topic sentence

Answer 1

The next group of people targeted by the Liberal reforms were the “young”.

Question 2

Background

Answer 2

Before 1906 young people in poverty were not supported by the government. Free school meals were not provided to the poor and the seprete status of children had not been defined.

Question 3

Evidence 1

Answer 3

The education (provision of school meals) act was introduced in 1906 which used rates to allow local authorities to provide free school meals for poor children.

Question 4

Analysis 1

Answer 4

This act improved the lives of British young people as it meant that pupils in need were now receiving one nutritious meal per day and it allowed them to learn without hunger distracting them.

Question 5

Evidence 2

Answer 5

Furthermore, in 1908 the children’s act (children’s charter) was passed which firmly stated the separate status of children by law, including provisions such as banning children from begging and banning children under 16 from buying cigarettes. It protected children and was designed to help prevent neglect.

Question 6

Analysis 2

Answer 6

This act was successful in improving the lives of young people because it was the first time vulnerable young people were protected by law as during the Victorian time no such protection existed.

Question 7

Counter analysis 1

Answer 7

However, there was still a long way to go as by 1912 over half the local authorities had not set up a free school meal service.

Question 8

Counter analysis 2

Answer 8

However, many historians argue that the time taken to implement this act undermined its overall effectiveness and meant that it only helped some children.

Question 9

Evaluation

Answer 9

Overall it is clear that the Liberals did take steps to address poverty amounts the young, however some historians argue that whilst the Liberals introduced progressive legislation to support young people to flourish, the credit for free school meals lies with a Labour backbencher, William Wilson who raised the issue initially as a Private Members Bill. Therefore, the welfare reforms were less successful in helping the young than the old as old age pensions were provided to old people and the government could not avoid giving them pensions like they could avoid giving children free school meals.