The creation of a Welfare State KS3 Teaching Resources

Since the Elizabethan period, relief for the poor had been made available through a system managed by local parishes. These parishes were responsible for providing both outdoor and indoor relief. Outdoor relief consisted of necessities such as food and clothing given to people while they remained in their homes. Indoor relief involved housing the sick, elderly, and people with disabilities in workhouses if they could not support themselves. However, as the population grew rapidly and poor harvests led to rising food prices and unemployment, the system became overwhelmed and increasingly ineffective by the early 19th century.

In response to growing concern over the inadequacy and cost of the poor relief system, a Royal Commission was established in 1832 to investigate its shortcomings. This led to the passage of the Poor Law Amendment Act in 1834 in England and Wales, which aimed to reduce costs and discourage dependency by making workhouses the primary form of aid for the able-bodied poor. Conditions in these workhouses were intentionally harsh to deter people from relying on public assistance unless absolutely necessary.

In addition to state support, charitable endowments and almsgiving to the poor, sick, and elderly became more widespread during this period. Philanthropic organisations, religious groups, and wealthy individuals often provided aid to supplement government relief efforts, reflecting a growing sense of social responsibility and the moral duty to help those in need.

Learn more about the rise of the 19th-century Britain, origins of the modern Welfare State and post-WWII Britain with our KS3 resources. You’ll find Student Activities, Lesson Presentation, and Revision Notes ready to download below. KS3 resources are ideally suited for Years 7, 8 and 9, or ages 11-14.