Evaluate the impact of social reforms on Victorian society c1840–c1900.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of various social reforms on Victorian society. Social reforms could include reforms to improve working conditions in various industries, education reforms and reforms that improved health and housing conditions. Candidates may evaluate key legislation when discussing the impact of reforms. These could include the various Mines and Factory Acts throughout the period, the Public Health Act 1848, Sanitation Act 1866, the Artisans Dwellings Act 1875 and two acts to deal with working class housing in 1890 and 1900. Various education acts could be evaluated; Forster’s Act 1870, Sandon’s in 1876 and Mundella’s in 1880 Some may argue that social reforms led to a steady improvement in living and working conditions and better public health by 1900. There was sanitation and clean water supplies in urban areas. Most children attended elementary school and there was some improvement in working conditions. Others might argue that the impact was quite limited and that by 1900, 30% of the population were still living in poverty and poor housing. The Booth and Rowntree Reports support this evaluation. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of social reforms on Victorian society c1840–c1900.