How accurate is it to argue that the liberal government introduced welfare reforms
purely out of self interest?
Many historians claim that the liberal reforms were politically motivated, that they
were introduced due to self interest as the liberals aimed to prevent voters turning to
the newly formed labour party. Labour party targeted working classes and promised
welfare reform including old age pensions and national insurance. From 1884
majority of working class men could vote. Labour party 2 seats 1900, 29 in 1905.
Free school meals were suggested by a Labour backbencher then Labour implemented
them.1907 Liberals lost safe seats of Colne and Jarrow Valley to Labour – who
promised old age pensions and other reforms. DLG claimed they would be ousted
from power unless they dealt with the problem of the working classes. Radical
socialism had been sweeping through Britain 1910-1914. Liberals had a majority of
over 350 in 1905 but this had dropped to 2 in 1910. Conservatives were also offering
welfare reforms. Liberals lost support through their reforms, majority dropped to 2 as
a result of the People’s Budget and workers annoyed at contributing to NI and losing
part of their wages. Parents annoyed with state intervention through children’s
charter.
Historians
Hennock – the relief of poverty is always an act of power
Communist historians argue that the Liberals were just ‘buying’ off the working
classes
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Certainly there is evidence to suggest that ……………………..
Some historians argue that …………….. was due to ………………….
Firstly….. secondly…..
Not only did…… but also…..
Furthermore….
However …………..
Closer analysis of the evidence would suggest otherwise, as….
On the other hand…..
In light of this evidence it is …………… to argue that ……………………
This would suggest that ………. as well as ………… was ………………
Given this, it is perhaps more accurate to argue that without ….., ( something
would not have happened)
How significant was the rise of the Labour party in the introduction of welfare
reforms by the Liberal government 1906-1914?
Many historians claim that the liberal reforms were politically motivated, that they
were introduced due to self interest as the liberals aimed to prevent voters turning to
the newly formed labour party. Labour party targeted working classes and promised
welfare reform including old age pensions and national insurance. From 1884
majority of working class men could vote. Labour party 2 seats 1900, 29 in 1905.
Free school meals were suggested by a Labour backbencher then Labour implemented
them.1907 Liberals lost safe seats of Colne and Jarrow Valley to Labour – who
promised old age pensions and other reforms. DLG claimed they would be ousted
from power unless they dealt with the problem of the working classes. Radical
socialism had been sweeping through Britain 1910-1914. Liberals had a majority of
over 350 in 1905 but this had dropped to 2 in 1910. Conservatives were also offering
welfare reforms. Liberals lost support through their reforms, majority dropped to 2 as
a result of the People’s Budget and workers annoyed at contributing to NI and losing
part of their wages. Parents annoyed with state intervention through children’s
charter.
Historians
Hennock – the relief of poverty is always an act of power
Communist historians argue that the Liberals were just ‘buying’ off the working
classes
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






Certainly there is evidence to suggest that ……………………..
Some historians argue that …………….. was due to ………………….
Firstly….. secondly…..
Not only did…… but also…..
Furthermore….
However …………..
Closer analysis of the evidence would suggest otherwise, as….
On the other hand…..
In light of this evidence it is …………… to argue that ……………………
This would suggest that ………. as well as ………… was ………………
Given this, it is perhaps more accurate to argue that without ….., ( something
would not have happened)
To what extent were the Liberal welfare reforms introduced due to concern for
National security?
Some argue that the liberal reforms were introduced to counteract the perceived threat
to national security due to the poor health of the population. Boer War 1899-1902 3
years for Britain to defeat 35,000 farmers. 34% of volunteers were rejected due to ill
health. In Manchester 8000 rejected and 1200 accepted. Height and weight
restrictions lowered. 1903 Free school meals and 1907 medical inspections. Free
school meals not compulsory, 50% 1912 and medical inspections contagious diseases.
£7 million spent annually on pensioners.
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






Certainly there is evidence to suggest that ……………………..
Some historians argue that …………….. was due to ………………….
Firstly….. secondly…..
Not only did…… but also…..
Furthermore….
However …………..
Closer analysis of the evidence would suggest otherwise, as….
On the other hand…..
In light of this evidence it is …………… to argue that ……………………
This would suggest that ………. as well as ………… was ………………
Given this, it is perhaps more accurate to argue that without ….., ( something
would not have happened)