Liberal reforms higher history free essay sample

How important were concerns about the extent of poverty in Britain in the Liberal Governments decision to introduce social reforms between 1906 and 1914? Concerns about the extent of poverty in Britain played a major role in the Liberal Government introducing reform. After scientific reports conducted by Seebolm Rowntree and Charles Booth had identified the full extent of poverty within inner city Britain, the Liberals felt compelled to act. (l) However, there were other contributing factors which drove the Liberals towards reform. The enfranchisement of the working lasses meant the newly formed Labour party together with socialist ideologies were beginning to put pressure on the Government to introduce reform. (2/3) The Liberals also had to contend with, as well as act upon, the poor state of the nations health, which was highlighted during the Boer War recruitment campaign. As well as its failing economy (4/5) The pressure for change which was going on within its own ranks from New Liberal thinkers such as Lloyd George and Herbert Asquith also played a pivotal part in the Liberals leaning towards social intervention and reform. We will write a custom essay sample on Liberal reforms higher history or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page ) ( introduction complete, you have stated the points you are now going to develop and analyse) T They were also faced by a section of society which included social reformers such as Sydney and Beatrice Webb who believed the government could no longer stand back and watch societies young suffer. (contentl) The Liberals would have been foolish to ignore this section of society whom the Labour Party believed were the most vulnerable, their decision to introduce reform was further compounded, not only by the fact countries such as Germany and New Zealand had already introduce a successful pension scheme to support their elderly and sick but also by the loss ot 2 sate seats in local by- elections. analysisl) Although the extent of poverty was a major reason for Liberal reforms, the threat posed by the Labour Party cannot be underestimated. (We have now answered the question here! ) Furthermore, the recruitment campaign conducted for the Boer War also detected a eed for change within Britains population. (contentl) Having previously visited Germany, Churchill was well aware of the benefits that social reform could offer. He was also very aware of the real threat posed from the rising Labour Party. (analysisl) Churchill whose attitude was borne from the fact he classed himself as a man of the people, bred among them and happy to help them was fortunate to have his views shared y both George and Asquith, between them they set about fending of the challenge of Labour and socialism and offering the young, old, sick and unemployed of Britain reforms which would provide a helping hand in their hour of need. analysisl) In conclusion, it could be argued that the Liberal government 1906 to 1914 introduced reform in an attempt to eradicate poverty in Britain as they were genuinely concerned of the impact this was having on the nation. (reverted back to our initial question) Nonetheless it cannot be overlooked at the minimal amount of eform that had been offered prior to the findings of Booth and Rowntree , neither can it be forgotten the state of Britains recruits during the Boer War conflict and the effect this posed to free trade profits. However, the fact the working classes had become entrancnised and also made up the majority ot the population, meant any government would be required to listen to their cries for help and introduce reform in order to appeal to the electorate of Britain. (Conclusion has basically summarised our essay and ended by stating why reforms were introduced) Essay is 990 words