How was British society changed 1906 - 1918

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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 Governments

In 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 Reforms

Over 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 Reforms

Politics

Britain 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 Changes

Factories 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 Personalities

The 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.
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* 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 ...

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