The Extent of Social Change

The Extent of Social Change

Labour and Class Changes

  • By the beginning of 20th century, there was a marked increase in organised labour due to the rise and establishment of trade unions. Many workers began identifying themselves as being part of an increasingly class-conscious working class.
  • Widespread poverty was also beginning to be increasingly recognised as a social issue rather than purely an individual failing.
  • The Labour Representation Committee, formed in 1900, became the Labour Party in 1906. This indicated that labour interests were gaining recognition in the political arena as well.
  • The years leading up to 1914 saw several massive strikes, indicative of the labour movement’s growing strength and the increasing dissatisfaction with working conditions among the lower class.

Women’s Rights

  • At the beginning of the 20th century, women in England and Wales were largely seen as subordinate to men, with most of their roles and rights confined to the domestic sphere.
  • The suffrage movement, driven by groups like the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies and the more militant Women’s Social and Political Union, campaigned vociferously for women’s right to vote.
  • The 1918 Representation of the People Act granted the vote to all men over 21 and women over 30 (with property qualifications). This was a significant landmark in the women’s suffrage movement.

Social Reforms

  • Edwardian era (1901-1910) was marked by several social reforms, driven largely by the Liberal governments of the time.
  • The Liberal welfare reforms, such as the introduction of old age pensions in 1908 and the National Insurance Act 1911, represented the beginning of the welfare state.
  • Educational reform acts also sought to extend compulsory education and equal opportunities to children from all social classes.

Impact of World War I

  • The onset of World War I brought about significant changes in English and Welsh society.
  • The call to arms led to a mass mobilisation of people and resources, breaking down many previous social barriers.
  • Female labour gained significance during the war years, as women filled roles previously occupied exclusively by men. This had the effect of furthering the agenda of the women’s rights movement post-war.
  • The shared experience of the war effort across classes also led to a growing sense of national unity, underpinning a period of social change after the end of the war.

By revising these points regularly, you can ensure a strong understanding of the extent of social change in England and Wales during the years 1900 to 1918. Remember to explore these key areas with the help of specific examples and historic events, to lend depth to your understanding.