Why Liberal reforms Occured - intro/conclusion:

Set the Scene:
Before 1906 the British Government did very little to help those living in poverty. Many British citizens followed a 'Laissez-faire' attitude which meant do little, leave alone. The poor were left to deal with their problems without any help from their government. However, between 1906 and 1914 the Liberal Government passed a series of reforms which were aimed at helping ease the issue of poverty and government intervention soon occured.

Intro/Conclusion Factors:

Arguably, and equally, the most important factors in... were National Efficiency and National Security. Britain had been over-taken by Germany as the strongest industrial nation and the Government quickly realised that this was down to the inefficiency of the unemployed, so in order to tackle this, Labour Exchanges were opened to help the unemployed find work again. Worries over Britain's ability to protect her and her empire occured after 25% of volunteers for the British army were rejected in the Boer War and soon the issue of ill health in Britain was examened and addressed in order for Britain to maintain a strong, powerful country.

Secondly, Social research was an important factor in... but less significant than National Efficieny and National Security. The research into the issue of poverty by Boothe and Rowntree brought to light the shockingly high levels of poverty which existed across Britain, and provided politicians with evidence to suggest that those in extreme poverty needed help from their government. However, the reports were not one of the new liberal Government's most pressing concerns and the government did not do much to address this.

Thirdly, and somewhat significant to... was Municipal Socialism which was started by Joseph Chamerlain in 1873 and was designed to make improvements in communities across Britain. These improvements were carried out by Local Authorites and were paid for by a form of local taxation and although they were very beneficial to those who lived in small communities and were poor, the wealthy were opposed to using their money to help aid these less fortunate citizens and the national Government took little notice of these improvements.

Lastly, and arguably the least important factor in... was Political Reasons. Although a new form of Liberalism had come to light in 1906, which argued that state intervention was necessary in order to combat poverty in Britain, there were very few 'new liberal' politicians and the Liberal Government only carried out the reforms in order to gain political advantage, rather than out of genuine concern for the poor.

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