Social policies: legislation and reforms in housing; education and welfare
After the First World War, British governments passed laws to improve housing, schools, and welfare support for ordinary people. These reforms show how war pushed the state to take greater responsibility for citizens' lives.
Real World
The Addison Act 1919 led to over 200,000 council houses being built by 1922 — the first time the state funded mass public housing — though the programme was axed by the Geddes Axe spending cuts of 1921 when economic pressure overrode the social promise.
Exam Focus
Always evaluate the limits of reforms (Geddes Axe cuts, means-testing) as well as their scope — 'assess' questions require explicit judgement on effectiveness.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
How well did you know this?