The Liberal reforms impact on poverty in the 1900swas... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
4
0
Poppy
20/08/2025
History
Why Liberals passed the reforms
203
•
20 Aug 2025
•
How Liberal Reforms Changed Poverty and Housing in the 1900s
Poppy
@poppy_
National Security Concerns
The Interdepartmental Committee on Physical Deterioration, established in 1904, examined the problem of ill health in England and Wales.
Vocabulary: The Interdepartmental Committee was a government body tasked with investigating national health issues.
The committee's recommendations, including addressing overcrowding and introducing free school meals, directly influenced Liberal reforms.
Example: The 1906 School Meals Act was a direct response to concerns about malnourished children and their future ability to serve in the military.
While national security was a significant factor, it wasn't the sole motivation for all reforms. For instance, the 1908 Old Age Pensions Act was more focused on tackling poverty than improving military readiness.
New Liberalism
New Liberalism represented a shift from the traditional liberal focus on individual freedom to a more interventionist approach.
Definition: New Liberalism argued that the government needed to get involved to help people who had no control over their circumstances.
Key figures in this movement included Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George, who were instrumental in passing several important reforms.
Highlight: Winston Churchill was behind the Coal Mines Act 1908, Labour Exchanges 1909, and Trade Boards 1908, while Lloyd George influenced the Old Age Pensions 1908 and National Insurance Act 1911.
The influence of Booth and Rowntree on these politicians was significant. Rowntree was a friend of Lloyd George, suggesting a direct impact on policy formation.
Quote: "Rowntree showed that sometimes people can't help but fall into poverty and needed government help."
Rise of Labour
The emergence of the Labour Party, dedicated to improving working conditions and representing the interests of the poor, put pressure on the Liberals to act.
Example: By 1900, the Labour Party had been founded to promote socialist policies and had won some seats in by-elections.
The Liberals were concerned that Labour could take votes away from them unless they took action to improve the conditions of the working class.
Highlight: The 1905 Russian Revolution also influenced the Liberals, as they feared similar unrest in Britain if reforms were not implemented.
While the rise of Labour was a factor, it was not as crucial as the work of Booth and Rowntree in driving reform. In the 1906 election, the Liberals had a clear majority of 397 seats, while Labour only had 29, indicating limited political pressure from Labour at that time.
Quote: "There was little political pressure put on government from threat of Labour."
This comprehensive analysis of the factors behind the Liberal reforms 1906 to 1914 demonstrates the complex interplay of social research, political ideology, and economic concerns that shaped this pivotal period in British history.
Why Liberals Introduced Reforms: Essay Plan
The Liberal reforms impact on poverty 1900s was substantial, marking a shift from laissez-faire attitudes to active government intervention. By 1914, these reforms had significantly helped the unemployed, sick, and elderly.
Booth and Rowntree's Influence
Charles Booth and Seebohm Rowntree conducted influential studies on poverty in London and York, respectively. Their research was crucial in shaping public opinion and government policy.
Highlight: Booth's study found that 35% of London's population lived in poverty, shocking the public and policymakers.
Rowntree's 1901 book "Poverty: A Study of Town Life" corroborated Booth's findings and introduced concepts like the poverty line and secondary poverty.
Definition: Secondary poverty referred to situations where income was theoretically sufficient, but poor money management led to poverty.
These studies were widely reported in the press and helped convince the Liberals that poverty was a national issue requiring government action.
Quote: "Booth and Rowntree were the most important factor for the liberal reforms being passed."
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
How Liberal Reforms Changed Poverty and Housing in the 1900s
Poppy
@poppy_
The Liberal reforms impact on poverty in the 1900s was significant, marking a shift from laissez-faire attitudes to active government intervention. Key factors driving these reforms included:
- Research by Booth and Rowntree revealing widespread poverty
- National security concerns about the... Show more
National Security Concerns
The Interdepartmental Committee on Physical Deterioration, established in 1904, examined the problem of ill health in England and Wales.
Vocabulary: The Interdepartmental Committee was a government body tasked with investigating national health issues.
The committee's recommendations, including addressing overcrowding and introducing free school meals, directly influenced Liberal reforms.
Example: The 1906 School Meals Act was a direct response to concerns about malnourished children and their future ability to serve in the military.
While national security was a significant factor, it wasn't the sole motivation for all reforms. For instance, the 1908 Old Age Pensions Act was more focused on tackling poverty than improving military readiness.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
New Liberalism
New Liberalism represented a shift from the traditional liberal focus on individual freedom to a more interventionist approach.
Definition: New Liberalism argued that the government needed to get involved to help people who had no control over their circumstances.
Key figures in this movement included Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George, who were instrumental in passing several important reforms.
Highlight: Winston Churchill was behind the Coal Mines Act 1908, Labour Exchanges 1909, and Trade Boards 1908, while Lloyd George influenced the Old Age Pensions 1908 and National Insurance Act 1911.
The influence of Booth and Rowntree on these politicians was significant. Rowntree was a friend of Lloyd George, suggesting a direct impact on policy formation.
Quote: "Rowntree showed that sometimes people can't help but fall into poverty and needed government help."
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Rise of Labour
The emergence of the Labour Party, dedicated to improving working conditions and representing the interests of the poor, put pressure on the Liberals to act.
Example: By 1900, the Labour Party had been founded to promote socialist policies and had won some seats in by-elections.
The Liberals were concerned that Labour could take votes away from them unless they took action to improve the conditions of the working class.
Highlight: The 1905 Russian Revolution also influenced the Liberals, as they feared similar unrest in Britain if reforms were not implemented.
While the rise of Labour was a factor, it was not as crucial as the work of Booth and Rowntree in driving reform. In the 1906 election, the Liberals had a clear majority of 397 seats, while Labour only had 29, indicating limited political pressure from Labour at that time.
Quote: "There was little political pressure put on government from threat of Labour."
This comprehensive analysis of the factors behind the Liberal reforms 1906 to 1914 demonstrates the complex interplay of social research, political ideology, and economic concerns that shaped this pivotal period in British history.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Why Liberals Introduced Reforms: Essay Plan
The Liberal reforms impact on poverty 1900s was substantial, marking a shift from laissez-faire attitudes to active government intervention. By 1914, these reforms had significantly helped the unemployed, sick, and elderly.
Booth and Rowntree's Influence
Charles Booth and Seebohm Rowntree conducted influential studies on poverty in London and York, respectively. Their research was crucial in shaping public opinion and government policy.
Highlight: Booth's study found that 35% of London's population lived in poverty, shocking the public and policymakers.
Rowntree's 1901 book "Poverty: A Study of Town Life" corroborated Booth's findings and introduced concepts like the poverty line and secondary poverty.
Definition: Secondary poverty referred to situations where income was theoretically sufficient, but poor money management led to poverty.
These studies were widely reported in the press and helped convince the Liberals that poverty was a national issue requiring government action.
Quote: "Booth and Rowntree were the most important factor for the liberal reforms being passed."
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user