How was British society changed 1906 – 1918

I will be talking about How British Society Changed in the time period of 1906 to 1918.

I will include the many events that took place in the above time period as well as the major changes that took place.Britain was a land of empire and wealth, of hope and glory. It was also a country of poverty, ill health and misery. Britain had no democracy and needed changes, changes that would come quickly for the betterment of their people and country.

Who were the Liberal GovernmentsIn 1906 the General Election took place. The Liberal party won a major victory in this election although they did not promise to bring in Welfare Reforms. Poverty and Welfare were not even big issues for any of the parties. Even though, the Liberal government bought in huge reforms as soon as they came in.

The Liberal Government ReformsOver the next five years the Liberals passed a string of social reforms that set the basics of a welfare state in Britain.The main event that took place was that the state was to look after those poor and unable to look after themselves. These included the young, old and unemployed. However to do this taxes had to be raised so that the money could be used on supporting the poor.The idea was not popular among many people.

Many rich did not like this idea as they would have to pay for the governments reforms. They argued that the poor would become lazy and would be unlikely to help themselves. However by 1906 fewer people thought this. They had come to realise just what the poor has to go through and how the government could not just ignore this.Reasons for the Liberal ReformsPoliticsBritain now came closer to moving towards democracy.

The main factors introduced were;* More people were allowed to vote* The issues concerning working class people were focused in Politic* There were Political Parties to represent people. The main two were the Tories and Liberals. The Trade Unions formed a new Party, Labour where 53 Labour MP's were elected in 1906.Social and Economic ChangesFactories and Towns developed where there was countryside.

This change bought many problems. Conditions were terrible, Housing for workers was poor and Diseases spread easily. Working conditions in the Factories were Dangerous and Unhealthy. Eventually the Government introduced Acts to deal with these problems.The Liberals also accepted that the Government should not just protect the people of Britain from harm but also guarantee a basic way of living for everyone. Even if it meant taking money off the rich and giving it to the poor.

Political PersonalitiesThe Liberal Government also included a number of great personalities. Their willpower and plans for the future of Britain were enough to carry out many reforms. Although many of the times they faced strong opponents. There were two main people who stood out because of their beliefs which lead to many reforms.* David Lloyd George ( Chancellor of the Exchequer after 1908 ) -David came from a Welsh upbringing, he was well known for his opinions of the rich and poor and his fiery speeches. In 1909 he introduced a essential new budget.

The main aim of it was to pay for Old Age Pensions and other Welfare Reforms.* Winston Churchill -Winston Churchill was born in England. He joined the cabinet in 1908 and was responsible for the system of unemployment insurance set up in 1911. He was well known for his reports and books.

he wrote.Both men became Prime Minister Of Britain. Lloyd George in the First World WarWinston Churchill in the SecondPovertyThe main reason for the Reforms was poverty. Britain was rich and still there were many citizens that were poor.

Many people in the Nineteenth Century thought blamed the poor for the condition they were in. There was help for the poor but it wasn't enough and it was based on the Poor Law of 1834. The Law was that any able bodied person wanting help would have to go to workhouses set up all over Britain. The conditions in the workhouses were made so hard only the desperate would want to enter. Clothes and Food were very basic and men, women and children were separated.

It was also shameful to be in a workhouse.The Poor Law never worked as well as it should have. Sometimes (Outdoor Relief) handouts of money or food were given when there was no space in workhouses, which was supposed to be avoided. But the law was supposed to reduce the amount spent on the poor not solve the problem of poverty.

1. Helping the SickPoor Law hospitals offering treatment were set up all over Britain for those too sick to work.2. Helping the UnemployedLocal Authorities were allowed to provide work and increase wages for the unemployed3.

Helping the OldThe poor were granted Outdoor Relief but many were taken to Workhouses to be looked after. Treatment in workhouses improved over the years.4. Helping the YoungChildren had been tried to be removed from workhouses by being sent to live with local families.

Charles Booth and Seebohm RowntreeCharles Booth and Seebohm Rowntree both published books regarding poverty. Their books appealed to the public and made them feel more sympathetic to the poor.How Effective were the Liberal Reforms?The Young* The School Meals Act (1906) allowed local authorities to provide free school meals for the poor. By 1914 150,000 free meals a day were being served.* Free Medical Inspections were introduced from 1907.

All children were inspected by a doctor or nurse at least once a year. At first any treatment was not free but this too was given from 1912.* Measures were bought up in 1908 which were known as the Children's Charter. These looked after a number of issues regarding children.Old Age PensionsIn 1908 David Lloyd George bought in the Old Age Pensions.

This meant the Poorest People over the age of 70 were entitled to a pension of 5s a week. There was much opposition for the pension by the opponents of the government.Labour ExchangesWilliam Beveridge was the man who put the idea of Labour Exchanges forward. The problem of unemployment was caused by many men being employed in casual jobs. Then they would have to find other permanent jobs.Labour Exchanges were set up all over the country and the unemployed were expected to register.

Local Employers looking for workers would notify the Labour Exchange of vacancies and unemployed workers would then be in touch with these employers.Low pay was also a cause of poverty and the Trade Boards Act of 1909 introduced Factory Acts.National InsuranceThe National Act Part 1 dealt mainly with health care for sick workers. The National Act Part 2 dealt with helping workers that were unemployed.Health InsuranceThis type of insurance was compulsory for all employers and employees. This meant employees had to create an insurance fund and add money into it from their wages as well as their employers.

Unemployment InsuranceThis act was the work of Winston Churchill. It was not for all workers as it was meant to protect men in work affected by seasonal unemployment.Women's SuffrageWhat is the Women's Suffrage ?Women were mostly dependant on men and legally had less rights than men. Work was very limited and was not "suitable" for women in that time.

However attitudes started to change and women began to have freedom. Before we knew it the issue turned to Women's Suffrage - The Right to Vote.