Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition 1906-1957-Essay Plans

How far were the Conservatives responsible for their own defeat in the 1906 election?

Conservative weaknesses:

The Boer War, 1902 Education Act, 1904 Licensing Act, The Chinese Labour Issue, Taff Vale Case, Neglect of Social Reform, Tariff Reform Campaign

Liberal strengths:

Liberals united under banner of Free Trade, Liberals support for Home Rule of Ireland, Lib-Lab Pact, New Liberalism

How successful was the Liberal Government in dealing with the Constitutional Crisis of 1909-11?

Coming as soon as I work out the answer

The Liberals introduced welfare reforms in the years 1906-1911 because they were afraid of the rise of Labour. Asses the validity of this view.

Coming soon

Liberal welfare reforms in the years 1908 to 1914 significantly reduced the problems of poverty in Britain. Asses the validity of this view.

Education Act (meals) - Provided meals for pupils BUT permissive only introduced in half of schools

Education Act (medical) - Compulsory inspections BUT little treatment provided to pupils

Children's Act - Made it illegal to sell cigarettes, tobacco or alcohol to children, set up juvenile courts and made parental neglect illegal BUT much of it was not new but codifying of existing laws

Old Age Pensions Act - Provided a pension of 5s a week BUT only to over 70's (life expectancy 50)

National Insurance (unemployment) - Unemployment benefit BUT only for certain trades

National Insurance (sickness) - sickness benefit BUT only up to age 60

'Britain was on the verge of Civil War by 1914'. How far do you agree with this statement?

Coming soon

It was the First World War that caused the failure of Home Rule for Ireland. Explain why you agree or disagree with this view.

Coming soon

The decline of the Liberal Party in the years 1916 to 1932 was mainly due to the First World War. Assess the validity of this view.

Coming soon