Reasons for the Liberal Social Reforms - Background information

2. Before the twentieth century
the British government did
very little to help poor or other
vulnerable people.
Society was run based on
‘laissez faire’, the idea that
problems would fix
themselves, and it was not
the government’s job to
interfere in people’s lives.

3. Poor people were
encouraged to use the
‘voluntary system’ to save
for times of unemployment,
sickness and old age.
Some charitable help did
also exist (such as hospitals
and orphanages), including
those run by the Salvation
Army and Barnardos.

4. Many poor people were
forced to rely on the hated
and feared Poor House.
The Poor House was a place
that the poorest people (of all
ages) would go to work and
then get the barest of support
e.g. shelter, food, etc.
Families were often
separated in the Poor House.

5. In the early 1900s, many
people suffered from extreme
poverty.
Housing overcrowding and
homelessness were major
problems.
Sickness could lead to losing
jobs and being unable to
afford medical treatment.

6. Young people in particular
suffered due to these poor
living conditions.
Many were malnourished due
to their families being unable
to afford proper diets.
In 1900, a high infant
mortality rate meant around
1 in 5 children in poor areas
died before their first birthday.

7. However by the late-1800s
and early-1900s, social
attitudes began to change,
meaning that the government
came under pressure to help
various groups.
There are various reasons for
this, including political
advantage and the effects of
changing politics.