To What Extent Did The Liberals Create A Welfare State Between 1906 - 1914

There are a number of reforms which the Liberals passed when in Government.  Some of these went some way to creating a more socialist society.  However, many reforms did the opposite.

  The first main reform that swayed on the socialist side of the spectrum was The Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1906.  This expanded the number of workers liable for compensation through injury to 6 million.  It also increased the number of injuries liable for compensation (e.g. disease), and shortened the time taken for it to be paid.  This reform, though socialist in its theory, unfortunately did not lay the foundations for a welfare state.  Many workers were still not covered (including miners) and many had injuries which would stop them working yet they would still not be awarded compensation.  Though insurance and compensation is vital for a welfare state; this reform was still too inconsistent and did not provide ‘optimum’ service for ALL those who were injured at work.

  The Education Acts (School Meals and Administrative procedures Acts) had very little substance.  They provided free medical inspection and treatment, and free school meals.  However, the Act was not compulsory, so many schools just ignored it and carried on as usual.  For the schools that did employ these Acts, most did not do so fully, allowing only medical inspection. Obviously the idea is sound, but in practise unfortunately the Education Acts did not aid the forming of a welfare state.  The fact that most pupils did not benefit from these reforms: shows that they did not provide and optimum service for all people.  They provided a poor service for a minority of pupils.

It is clear that the reforms the Liberals introduced in the period of 1906-1914 were not sufficient to produce a welfare state.  After a 20-year-period of Conservative dominance, the Liberal party gained power and was ready to make a change.  The public voted in a Liberal Government for a break from the constricted Conservatives, and so changes had to be seen to be made.  The Liberals therefore had no intention of creating a welfare state, as this would go against the traditional Liberal views.  So by passing hollow reforms they managed to satisfy the people while not creating a welfare-dependant society.