Impact of Liberal Social Reforms, 1906-1914


	Impact of Liberal Social Reforms, 1906-1914
	Advantages Change in approach to poor relief, focus on state of the nation: Concerns over physical unfitness, high infant mortality, 'fertility imbalance'. 1904 Inter-Departmental Committee on Physical Deterioration recommended motherhood classes, compulsory medical examination for poorest children. 1907: School Medical Service to inspect the health of the children. 1908: Children's Act improved the safety and welfare of children, tried to prevent infanticide for example. Germ Theory led to increase of attention to personal hygiene and medical training Sowed the seed for a future welfare state in the UK: 1906: Workmen's Compensation Act covered injuries whilst at work. 1909: Old Age Pensions 1911: National Insurance Act to protect workers against loss of income due to sickness or unemployment.	Disadvantages Constitutional conflict: Led to growing tensions between the Commons (Liberals) and House of Lords which came to a head in the early 1910s when Liberals had to force through legislation via Parliament Act (1911) Conflicts with Tories and certain areas of the electorate such as miners and wage earners.
	Evaluation Led to constitutional conflict, but significantly challenged poverty and aimed to aid the poorest of society.

Change in approach to poor relief, focus on state of the nation:
Concerns over physical unfitness, high infant mortality, 'fertility imbalance'.
1904 Inter-Departmental Committee on Physical Deterioration recommended motherhood classes, compulsory medical examination for poorest children.
1907: School Medical Service to inspect the health of the children.
1908: Children's Act improved the safety and welfare of children, tried to prevent infanticide for example.
Germ Theory led to increase of attention to personal hygiene and medical training
Sowed the seed for a future welfare state in the UK:
1906: Workmen's Compensation Act covered injuries whilst at work.
1909: Old Age Pensions
1911: National Insurance Act to protect workers against loss of income due to sickness or unemployment.

Constitutional conflict: Led to growing tensions between the Commons (Liberals) and House of Lords which came to a head in the early 1910s when Liberals had to force through legislation via Parliament Act (1911)
Conflicts with Tories and certain areas of the electorate such as miners and wage earners.

Led to constitutional conflict, but significantly challenged poverty and aimed to aid the poorest of society.

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