Britain in 1900 Problem of Poverty in 1900 Changing attitudes Liberal Reforms Assessment of reforms

Britain in 1900 Rich and Powerful country due to industrial revolution Politics dominated by Conservative and Liberal Parties wealth in the hands of small group Huge slum tracts in the big cities testified to the social divide

Working class housing in Liverpool in the early 1900s

The Gorbals: Small children by midden in back court

Role of the government ‘laissez faire’- the state should not interfere in the lives of the people or in the economy Small role to: Provide limited education, health, help for the poor control of workplace Tenement housing in Whittle Street, Liverpool 1902

The Poor Law System Government did not provide much help to poor people Help for the poor was called relief Outdoor relief:help given in their home Indoor relief :help given in the workhouse or poorhouse Tonbridge workhouse women's ward, c. 1897

Tonbridge workhouse female inmates 1897.

The Poor Law System You had to prove you were poor Life was made harsh so that it was less likely to be chosen over the lowest paid job No help for able bodied (fit)

Brighton Workhouse DayBreakfastDinnerSupper SundayMilk PorridgeBoiled Beef or PorkCheese & Butter MondayGruelSoup of leftoversMilk Porridge TuesdayMilk PorridgeBeef PuddingCheese & Butter WednesdayGruelBoiled Beef or PorkMilk Porridge ThursdayMilk PorridgeSoup of leftoversCheese & Butter FridayGruelMeat puddingMilk Porridge SaturdayMilk PorridgeIrish StewGruel

Was the Poor House successful? Could not cope with the rising unemployment or poverty Hated by the poor most shunned the poor house (90%) Work inside was boring, disciplined Families separated Workhouse near Glasgow

Why was it so harsh? Should encourage the poor to look for work Forced to look after themselves Those in poverty must be idle, spending to much or drunk Close, No. 157 Bridgegate, Glasgow