In the late 19th century poverty was caused by unemployment, illness and old age.The 1906 Liberal Government had to introduce reforms to tackle poverty.
Part ofHistoryThe making of modern Britain (1880-1951)
At the start of the 20th century, there were no old age pensions, unemployment benefits, health insurance or help for children.
If the main wage-earner in a family died or could not work, a whole family could be plunged into terrible poverty.
However, the government believed that the social problems of Britain could be solved through:
