Life in the UK Test
Sign in
Back to A Long and Illustrious History

The early 20th century and social reform

Study note

The early years of the 20th century, before the First World War, were a time of optimism and real social progress in Britain. The government brought in a number of measures to help ordinary people and the poor. These included financial help for the unemployed, old-age pensions and free school meals for children. So for the two measures most often tested, pick old-age pensions and free school meals.

Other reforms followed. New laws improved safety at work, and town planning rules were brought in to limit the spread of slums. For the first time members of Parliament were given a salary. This mattered because, before that, only people with private wealth could really afford to be MPs, so paying them made it easier for a wider range of people to take part in public life.

Memory tip: Before WWI: old-age pensions, free school meals and unemployment help were introduced.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 2 · choose two

Select TWO social measures introduced in Britain in the early 20th century.

Score so far: 0 / 0
Show all questions and answers for The early 20th century and social reform(2 questions with explanations)

The early 20th century and social reform: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Select TWO social measures introduced in Britain in the early 20th century.

    • Old-age pensions
    • The NHS
    • Devolution
    • Free school meals

    Correct answer: Old-age pensions and Free school meals

    Old-age pensions and free school meals were introduced in the early 20th century, before the First World War.

  2. 2. A salary for members of Parliament was introduced in the early 20th century, helping more people take part in public life.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Paying MPs a salary made it easier for more people to become MPs.

Back to A Long and Illustrious History, or try a mock test or timed exam.