The Liberal Reforms

• What period do the liberal reforms discussed cover?

  1906 to 1914
• How do some historians view the liberal reforms?

  As the start of the modern welfare state
• What was the approach of 19th century governments?

  Conservative and laissez-faire policies
• What does laissez-faire mean in government context?

  Do nothing government
• What was the consequence of the laissez-faire approach?

  Gradual and cautious reforms
• Who won the 1906 election?

  The Liberal Party
• What did the Liberal Party promise after winning the 1906 election?

  To change care for ordinary and poor people
• Who was the architect of the liberal reforms?

  David Lloyd George
• What position did David Lloyd George hold before becoming Prime Minister?

  Chancellor of the Exchequer
• What was the purpose of the people's budget proposed by Lloyd George?

  To provide pensions, meals, and healthcare
• How did Lloyd George plan to fund his reforms?

  By raising taxes
• What was the reaction to Lloyd George's people's budget as depicted in the source?

  It was not favorable
• What does the cartoon titled "The Philanthropic Highwayman" suggest about Lloyd George?

  He is seen as a thief by some
• What did the reforms between 1902 and 1907 involve regarding midwifery?

  Qualified midwives delivered babies
• Why was it important for births to be registered?

  To ensure mothers and babies received help
• What change was made in 1906 regarding school meals?

  All children received free meals if needed
• Who conducted a study on children's meals in York?

  Joseph Rowntree
• What health checks were performed between 1907 and 1912?

  Nurses performed three health checks in schools
• What significant reform was introduced in 1908?

  Old age pensions
• What was the age threshold for receiving old age pensions?

  70 years old
• How much was the old age pension roughly equivalent to in today's money?

  50 pounds a week
• What was the purpose of the 1909 housing reforms?

  To enforce new building standards
• What was the biggest change introduced in 1911?

  The National Insurance Act
• How was the National Insurance Act funded?

  Through contributions from workers, employers, and government
• What was the sick pay amount provided under the National Insurance Act?

  10 shillings a week
• How long could sick pay be claimed under the National Insurance Act?

  Up to 26 weeks
• Who were excluded from the National Insurance scheme?

  Non-working women and children
• What was a disadvantage of the National Insurance Act?

  Long-term illnesses were not covered
• What was the general public's reaction to the National Insurance Act?

  Mixed support and opposition
• What did traditional conservatives believe about insurance?

  People should pay for their own insurance
• What were the advantages and disadvantages of the National Insurance Act?

  Advantages:

  • Provided sick pay for workers
  • Government and employers contributed to the fund

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Excluded non-working women and children
  • Long-term illnesses not covered
  • Healthcare still required out-of-pocket payments
• How did the liberal reforms mark a shift from previous government policies?

  • Shift from laissez-faire to interventionist policies
  • Increased government responsibility for social welfare
  • Introduction of taxes to fund social programs
• What were the main components of the liberal reforms introduced between 1906 and 1914?

  • Free school meals for children
  • Old age pensions for those over 70
  • National Insurance Act providing sick pay
  • Health checks for school children
  • Reforms in midwifery and childbirth