Q. To what extent was the threat from the left responsible for the
introduction of welfare reforms in Britain 1906-1914.
The liberal government came to power in 1906 with a landslide victory
of 399 seats to the 156 of the Conservatives. Whilst their election
campaign focussed on a promise of free trade, when in power, they
introduced a series of social reforms. The motives behind these
welfare reforms are a source of historical debate, with historians
such as Goodlad arguing that fear of socialism prompted welfare
reforms. However, it is important to recognise the contribution of
other factors. Firstly, ………………………………………………………………………………….
Also,
……………………………………………………………………………………
.
Finally,
…………………………… ………………………………………… . This essay intends to argue
that the threat from the left was partially responsible for the
introduction of welfare reforms, whilst recognising the importance of
other factors.
The threat from the left has been argued by historians to be a
significant factor in the passing of the Liberal reforms, however since
no mention of the reforms was present in the party’s manifesto it
cannot be said to be the most important reason. Labour threatened
the Liberal Party because in ……………… the …..................[add
detail]……………………. . This was responsible for the introduction of welfare
reforms because Labour was gaining support quickly. [Add detail]……… . As
such, the Liberals needed a way to regain support from the working class.
This is evidenced by ………….[add detail]………………. . Thus showing that the
Liberals were ……….. ….[add detail]…………………….. . Also, the Liberal majority
was only …………[add detail]………………………………………………………. . Historians
argue that this was responsible for the introduction of reforms because
……………………[add detail] …………………… . On the other hand, the Liberals
seemed willing to lose votes in order to introduce these reforms. For
example, many workers resented the …………..[add detail]……..Showing
that………[add detail]…………………… . Evidence also suggests that the
reforms were introduced more as a result of a threat from the
Conservatives than a threat from the left. The Conservatives had
introduced ………[add detail] ………………………………………………………… . Even so, if
the Liberals were concerned about their own political interest and viewed
the Conservatives as a threat, why did they persevere with
………………………………………. . By doing so they were willing to lose support of
middle and upper class voters. Thus showing, ………………[add detail]
…………………………………… . Therefore, although the ‘relief of poverty is
always an act of power’ (Hennock), other
responsible for the introduction of the reforms.
factors
were
also
Revelations influenced the Liberals to pass reforms after the true
extent of poverty was uncovered, however, it is clear that many
reforms were introduced due to other factors. Awareness of poverty
came from ……………………[add detail]…………. This was partially responsible
for the introduction of welfare reforms because ………….[add detail]
………………… Most importantly they identified ……….[add detail]………………..
This played a role in the introduction of reforms because …………………..[add
detail] …………… …………………….. Indeed, it can be argued …………[add
detail]……………………………. On the other hand, the limitations of their
reforms suggest that they were not influenced solely by a desire to
help the poor. It has been suggested that the ……………….[add
detail]…………………… Thus suggesting ………. [add detail]……………………. As
such, it may be more valid to argue that revelations were important
in the sense that they influenced the views of those in political
parties, rather than directly brought about social reforms.
Although argued to be a motive for the introduction of reforms,
evidence suggests that the New Liberals were heavily influenced by
social findings and a desire to secure their political power. After
Campbell Bannerman’s death in 1908 …….[add detail]……………. Most social
reforms were passed after 1908 (e.g. National Insurance Acts) which
shows ……….….[add detail]………………..….. Furthermore, other reforms
introduced by the Liberals were clearly led by New Liberalism. For
example ……………………[add detail]…………………………. This clearly demonstrates
the importance of New Liberalism as a motive for reforms because
……………… [add detail] ………………………………. On closer inspection, however,
it would seem that New Liberals were in fact motivated by their own
agendas. Indeed, New Liberals also showed a keen desire to ……………..[add
detail] …………………………………………. Thus suggesting that …………….[add detail]
…………..... ……………………………………. This is further supported by
…………………………[add detail]……………………………………………………….. Indeed, if the
New Liberals were truly ……………..[add detail]…………………….. . Therefore,
without the influence of other factors upon the ideology of New
Liberals, it is possible to argue that New Liberalism would not have
influenced the introduction of the reforms to the same extent.
Historians are agreed that a desire to enhance national efficiency
and security was the driving force behind the Liberal reforms due to
the government’s fear of losing Britain’s top industrial position as well
as their fear of being unable to protect themselves against external
threats. Concern was raised about national security because it took
………… years for …………………… ……[add detail]…………………………… This shows
that national security was …………...........[add detail]........................... The
health of adult males in GB was ……………….[add detail]……………… Thus
caused the government to ………………………[add detail]………………….. Regardless
of this, evidence does suggest …………[add detail]………………………….. . Indeed,
Britain also felt her position as the world’s leading industrial nation
…………….[add detail] ………….. ……………… This was important because
………………[add detail]……………. Britain also felt threatened by ………….[add
detail]………………………….Indeed, Germany had introduced ……..[add detail] …..
…………………
Yet,
on
closer
inspection
……..[add
detail]……………………………………… Further evidence suggests that ……..[add
detail]…………………………………….. As stated before……………….[add detail]………….
………………………………………………….
In conclusion, the threat from the left was partially responsible for the
introduction of welfare reforms in Britain between 1906 and 1914. On the
one hand, On the one hand, ……………….[add in argument to support
this]………………………………………………………………………………………………. However, it
would be wrong to say this was the main reason because
………………….[add in argument about why labour not most important reason]
……………………. . Additionally, other factors contributed. For example,
[add in factor with wee explanation]. Also, [add in factor with wee
explanation]. Therefore, the threat from the left was important, but
the influence of other factors such as national efficiency and
security, invalidate the argument that it was solely responsible for
the introduction of the reforms.