Liberal Reforms 1906-1918

The Military Covenant

Synopsis

This lesson introduces students to the social reforms undertaken by the Liberal political party (the Liberals) in Britain between 1906 and 1918. Students are invited to consider how these changes marked a significant shift in the relationship between the public and the British Government, and how they laid the foundations for the introduction of a welfare state. Students examine the state of the British working class' health at the turn of the 20th century before continuing to examine how the introduction of the Liberals' welfare reforms helped to improve the health of the nation. The lesson closes by examining the Covenant between the British public and the Armed Services, encouraging students to explore whether this Covenant might reflect the relationship which exists between the Government and people in Britain.

MOD Topic

The Military Covenant

Curriculum Checklist

1.1b; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 2.1b, 3a, b, g, h; 4a, d, e.

Curriculum Links

• Citizenship
• English

Prior Knowledge

None required

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Know that there was a great deal of poverty in Britain at the beginning of the 19th century.
• Know that Britain fought in the Boer War.
• Know about one or two of the welfare measures introduced by the Liberal party between 1906 and 1918.
• Be aware that the Liberal reforms marked a new and different approach to governing Britain compared to previous governments.
• Be aware that there is a Military Covenant between the Public and British Army.

Average ability students will:

• Be aware of the extent of poverty in Britain at the beginning of the 19th century and its likely causes.
• Understand that Britain's attempts to strengthen its Army during the Boer War were hampered by the poor health of the British working class.
• Understand some of the reasons for welfare measures which the Liberal party introduced between 1906 and 1918.
• Understand how the Liberal reforms changed the relationship between the British Government and its people.
• Understand the main reasons for a Military Covenant between the Public and the British Army.

Higher ability students will:

• Fully understand the extent of poverty in Britain at the beginning of the 19th century and the political class' prevailing attitude surrounding its causes.
• Understand the impact which poverty had on Britain's fighting efficacy during the Boer War. Be aware of the need to improve the nation's health.
• Understand the breadth of different welfare measures which the Liberal party introduced between 1906 and 1918 and evaluate their impact and success.
• Understand how the Liberal reforms marked a shift in the relationship between the British Government and its people. Be aware of the impact of this on the country.
• Fully understand the importance of the Military Covenant in denoting a two way commitment between the British Army and the Public which it serves.

Lesson code

H10