Why did the Liberals introduce reforms? Flashcards
Why was employment a factor?
Many people worked in industries that had unregulated employment or had to work long hours for bad pay- people were very poor
How were dock workers employed?
On a casual basis- they would turn up and see if there was any work for them to do
It was common for dock workers and building workers to only get how many days of work a week?
3
Where were the worst working conditions?
The Sweated Trades- e.g. making matchboxes, pins, chains or shovels
Which three people influenced the Liberals to introduce reforms?
Seebohm Rowntree, Charles Booth and John Galt
The top __% of the country’s population owned __% of the country’s wealth`
10, 92
When did the Boer War take place?
1899-1902
Why was the army a factor?
Britain was at war defending its territory, but its army was very inefficient and was not doing well
What percentage of recruits who volunteered were found to be unfit for service as a result of ill health?
50%
From 1870 onwards, which two countries were threatening Britain’s position as the world’s leading industrial power?
USA and Germany
By what year had USA and Germany overtaken Britain as an industrial power?
1900
Who were the Liberals main political rivals?
The Conservatives
What had the Conservatives done when they were in power?
Introduced several welfare measures
How did the Conservatives react to the reforms and why?
The Conservatives opposed the cost and idea of the state looking after everyone- a ‘nanny state’.
Why did the Conservatives think what they did about the Liberal Reforms?
Many of them were land owners so the taxes affected them more heavily
