Seven key reasons why the Liberals introduced reform:-
1) New Liberals believing in Welfare state - the government had a responsibility to help the people - the work houses and other poor reflief were not enough.
2) Social Reformers - 1901 Rowntree - Survey in York showed that 27% of people living below the poverty line.
3) Work of key individuals - Lloyd George and Churchill
4) Political rivalry - if they didn;t another party would like the Conservatives or Labour - the Liberals would then lose support
5) The Boer War - 50% of volunteers were unfit for service and turned away because of the poor conditions they had grown up in or lived in.
6) Industrial decline - fit working class needed - USA and Germany threatening GB's industrial strength.
7) Rise of socialism - if the working classes were helped they would not turn towards socialism or even communism - look what happened in Russia!
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