Describe one achievement of the Liberal Government's aim in reducing the burden of poverty between 1906 and 1914.

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Beth Moorcroft

Describe one achievement of the Liberal Government’s aim in reducing the burden of poverty between 1906 and 1914.

        Leading up to 1906, the levels of poverty were incredibly high in Britain. It was revealed that the majority of the country was in poverty, and spent most of their life ‘beneath the poverty line’. Social researchers, such as Booth and Rowntree, investigated the impact of poverty on Britain’s economy and the population itself. The results compiled were shocking, and new to the people of Britain. Previously, it was believed that poverty was ‘one’s own fault’ and the government should not be troubled with such problems. State intervention was unheard of and against Classical Liberal ideology, which was the common political view at this time. However, by the year 1906, the Liberal Government was going through major changes in their ideology, and new directions in the party’s priorities were starting to take shape.

        The New Liberal Government formed from the changes in which the Party enrolled. It was very different from governments in the past, in that it concerned itself with matters concerning the community. Their goal was to eradicate the huge problem of poverty within the country. To do this, a range of radical social reforms were imposed, to hopefully make a difference in the British economy. There were several motives behind these reforms. These included national efficiency; appealing to the working class; and compassion for the people of the country. The New Liberals believed that having a country with a strong economy came as a result of having efficient workers. It was unsure as to whether Britain would be able to maintain economic prosperity. There was severe competition from other countries and profits were slipping. Improving the levels of physical efficiency would therefore improve the levels of national efficiency. The new reforms were hoped to achieve this goal. It was still early days for the New Liberal Government and their ideas, and so they wanted to gain votes. Most, if not all, of the reforms were aimed at the middle, working class. With their vote, the new government was bound to be successful. Last, but not least, compassion for the people was a rare concept for the British government. The work of Booth and Rowntree was very influential in the changing within the Party. It was now a concern that the population was in real danger and individuals were not always to blame for their misfortune, and it was essential to look after them and ensure their lives were lived in a decent and comfortable way. An understanding of the inescapability of some types of poverty was developing.

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        The reforms themselves were incredibly wide ranging. Their aim was to target as many different areas of society as possible, and they certainly did that. Reforms helped the children of the country, right through to the workers. The children were helped by ‘The School Meals Act’. This was a scheme to provide better quality food in local schools. The motive for this was unsurprisingly national efficiency as it was argued that too many children were too badly fed to benefit from the ‘expensive’ schooling provided for them. It was hoped that a better diet would improve the development and health ...

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