Causes of Liberal Reforms

Causes of Liberal Reforms

1. Industrial Decline

   • 1900 USA and Germany were leading industrial powers
   • Healthy workforce - welfare reforms by G Chancellor Bismark
   • UK birth rate falling
   • Empire under threat
   • Children more highly valued

2. Key Individuals

   • Winston Churchill
   • 1908 President of Board of Trade
   • David Lloyd George
   • Parents experienced poverty
   • Both sympathised with the poor

3. Changing Political Scene

   • Liberals 1906 - Henry Campbell Bannerman
   • Workers voted for reforms
   • Way of fighting socialism
   • Political rivalry - Liberals joined Labour

4. Military Problems

   • Boer War 1899-1902
   • 40% of all volunteers unfit for service
   • Due to poor diet
   • Army lowered minimum height
   • Government shocked
   • Investigation set up

5. Decline of Emphasis on Self Help

   • People thought poor would waste money
   • Govt. felt it wasn't pools fault
   • Govt. felt duty to help those who needed it
   • Gave a basic living standard

6. Growing Awareness of Poverty

   • Huge contrast between rich and poor
   • Social reformers - Charles Booth and Seebohm Rowntree
   • Encouraged helping the poor