The making of modern Britain (1880-1951)

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.

In 1906 to 1914 the Liberal Government passed reforms to help reduce poverty. Legislation included the introduction of old age pensions, free school meals, National Insurance and labour exchanges.

During World War Two the government became involved in people’s lives. The Beveridge Report identified five major social problems which had to be tackled.

After World War Two the Labour Government introduced reforms to establish the Welfare State. These tackled ‘Five Giants’ described in the Beveridge Report.