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 of HistoryThe 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:
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